7 Best Down Pillows of 2025, According to Testing
Enjoy hotel luxury every night with soft and fluffy pillows.
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Sometimes sleeping at a hotel feels even more restorative than your bed at home, but you can bring that same level of hotel luxury to your own home with a plush down pillow. Down pillows have a cloud-like feel that cannot fully be replicated with synthetic alternatives.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly tests pillows of all fills, including down, memory foam and latex, to find the most comfortable, supportive and durable buys. Our latest tests have included over 200 pillows with in-Lab and consumer testing, including over 1,000 at-home sleep testers. We conducted pressure tests on each down pillow to ensure it'll maintain its shape night after night — so no more instantly flat down pillows.
Pros
- Aced durability testing
- Double-stitched hem
- Multiple firmness levels available
Cons
- Firmer pillows are more expensive
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: Parachute’s down pillow earned the top score out of all the down pillows we tested in the Textiles Lab, and it was also popular among our at-home testers.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: The pillow is made with European down (85% down clusters, 15% down and feather fibers) with a luxuriously smooth 100% cotton sateen shell. The double stitching around the hem helped prevent any feathers from sticking out in our testing.
This pillow has three densities with options for people of every sleeping position: Soft for stomach sleepers and Medium or Firm for back sleepers. Parachute also offers a down side-sleeper pillow too (which ranks as our best down pillow for side sleepers). Keep in mind that firmer pillows are more expensive.
✔️ HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: It received a perfect durability score, and it saw no change in appearance or shrinkage after machine washing. Our textile pros and testers found that it maintained its shape after use too. Every tester said they would continue using this pillow and shared that it was both comfortable and supportive.
One tester said, "It was absolutely dreamy!" and, "It is actually the most comfortable pillow I have ever used." Another tester shared, "I thought this was a great pillow because it was soft and kept its shape well. It didn't bunch up like other feather pillows."
| Fill | 85% down clusters, 15% down and feather fibers |
| Outer cover | 100% cotton sateen |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Sizes | Standard and King |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium and Firm |
Pros
- Two-layer design with down and feathers
- Testers loved how it maintained its shape
- More supportive than other down picks
Cons
- Analysts noticed that some feathers poked through
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: For a more affordable fluffy pillow, opt for a style that features both down and feathers. FluffCo uses a two-layer design with down in the outer layer for softness and feathers in the core for support.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Because of the two-layer design, it offers more support compared to other down pillows. The responsibly sourced fill is available in both Soft and Firm options (certified by the Responsible Down Standard). We love that this pick comes with a free pillow protector to help prolong its lifespan.
✔️ HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Users enjoyed its fluffiness, and one told us, "Night after night, it maintained the same comfort level as the first day I slept on it." Another said, "This pillow was extremely comfortable to sleep on no matter what position I slept in." The pillow didn't shrink after washing, and our Textiles Lab pros liked how nicely it fit inside a pillowcase. It's not as luxe as other picks, so we did notice that some feathers poked through the edges during testing.
| Fill | Outer pillow: white duck down; inner pillow: white duck feathers |
| Outer cover | 100% cotton |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Sizes | Queen and King |
| Firmness | Soft and Firm |
The Company Store LaCrosse Down & Feather Pillow
Pros
- Options for all sleeping positions
- Responsible Down Standard certified
- Maintained its shape in pressure tests
Cons
- It's less plush than other picks
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: The Company Store is known for making reliable bedding products and this down pillow is no exception. Testers who change sleeping positions reported that they did not wake up with any soreness.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: It’s available in Soft, Medium and Firm versions, which is great for all sleeping positions. The fill is certified by the Responsible Down Standard to ensure humane animal treatment. It's made with a 50/50 blend of down and feathers, so it's a bit less plush than other down pillows we've tested. This pillow is a recent GH Bedding Awards winner too!
✔️ HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This pillow's top-notch performance impressed our Textiles Lab pros; it maintained its shape in pressure tests and washed beautifully with no changes in appearance. "It was just the perfect amount of softness and was beyond comfortable," noted one tester. "I thought a down pillow was going to be flat and not comfortable, but that was furthest from the case. I also loved that I could sleep on it in any position and didn't wake up with a stiff neck."
| Fill | 50% down, 50% feathers |
| Outer cover | 100% cotton |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Sizes | Standard and King |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium and Firm |
Casper Down Bed Pillow
Pros
- 2-inch side gusset helps it maintain its shape
- Five-chamber design keeps the fill evenly distributed
- Testers gave it high marks for comfort and taking its proper shape immediately
Cons
- Took longer to return to its original shape after pressure tests
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: This Casper pillow features a chamber design, making it great for someone who loves the feel of down but doesn't want to sink too deeply into their pillow.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: The five-chamber design keeps the down and feather fill evenly distributed, while the 2-inch side gusset helps it maintain its shape. The brand recommends it for all sleeping positions, but some side sleepers didn't find it lofty enough.
✔️ HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Casper's pillow received high marks across the board for being comfortable to sleep on, with many testers saying this is their new favorite pillow. One tester said she especially loved how it "holds its shape and doesn't go flat."It fit perfectly in a Standard-size pillowcase and was beloved by testers for being comfortable and maintaining its proper shape after use (although we did find it took a bit of time to return to its original shape after our Textiles Lab pressure tests).
| Fill | Outer chamber: 80% white duck down, 20% feather; inner chamber: 60% white duck down, 40% feather |
| Outer cover | 100% cotton (interior shells use polyester) |
| Care | Machine washable (front-loading machines only) |
| Sizes | Standard and King |
| Firmness | Medium |
Pros
- Super soft
- Testers found it comfortable to sleep on
- Three firmness options
Cons
- Spot-clean or dry-clean only
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: This classic, no-frills down pillow from Brooklinen has firmness levels suitable for all sleeping positions and the brand offers discounts if you purchase multiple.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: It's sold in three firmness levels, Plush, Mid-Plush and Firm, to suit all sleeping positions. The Plush is best for stomach sleepers because it's thin and soft enough to keep your head aligned. Mid-Plush is best for back sleepers and side sleepers should choose the Firm option for improved support. Note that this pillow is spot-clean or dry-clean only.
✔️ HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This pillow received top marks for comfort with nearly all testers saying they'd continue using it. "It is soft but not so soft that it collapses and I have to bunch it up," said one tester. "I sleep comfortably with my head and neck supported." Another tester added, "This pillow was so comfortable. I slept well on it and definitely may need to buy more."
One tester even said, "It sure beats my expensive down pillow I bought before that I came to loathe. So far, I love this pillow!" It fit perfectly in a Standard-size pillowcase in our Textiles Lab evaluation, but it took longer to return to its original shape during pressure tests.
| Fill | Down and feathers |
| Outer cover | 100% cotton (sateen weave) |
| Care | Spot-clean or dry clean |
| Sizes | Standard and King |
| Firmness | Plush, Mid-Plush and Firm |
Hotel Collection European White Goose Down Medium Pillow
Pros
- Removable cover
- Testers loved that it maintained its shape
- Excellent neck support, according to testers
Cons
- Too firm for some testers
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: If you're obsessed with the ultra-plush pillows you find at five-star hotels, you can have the same luxury experience with the Hotel Collection. It uses premium goose down that maintains its shape.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: With a luxe 500-thread count cotton cover, this pillow has a 700-fill power and 100% goose-down fill that’s great for back sleepers. We tested the Medium fill power style, but there are also Soft and Firm options available. It's a great pillow for anyone who likes to frequently launder their bedding as this pick comes with a removable cover. (It was the only down pillow we tested that had one.)
✔️ HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This pillow aced our laundry tests, showing no changes in appearance or shrinkage after five washes. Testers especially loved that it kept its shape after use, with one tester saying, "I like that it was soft, yet it still maintained its shape. It did not get flat when my head was on it. It just comfortably supported my head and neck. I woke up feeling rested and comfortable." Some testers found it a bit too firm, however.
| Fill | 700-fill power white goose down |
| Outer cover | 100% cotton (500-thread count) |
| Care | Machine washable (front-loading machines only) |
| Sizes | Standard and King |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium and Firm |
Pros
- Options for side, back and stomach sleepers
- The firm style features a gusset for extra height
- Testers loved it squishy, plush feel
Cons
- Some testers commented that the "soft" style was too thin
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: This Garnet Hill down pillow is a reliable pick to create a cloud-like sleeping environment. Our analysts found the 100% white duck down fill felt especially plush.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: With a 600–650 fill power (depending on if you choose a Soft, Medium or Firm fill density), this pillow has a super plush feel, so you comfortably sink into your pillow when you rest your head on it. We appreciate that you have the option for a gusset for extra support with the Firm style — ideal for side sleepers.
✔️ HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Down-pillow lovers were big fans of this pillow with one tester even saying, "This pillow is now my favorite one to sleep on." Another reported, "I loved how this pillow conformed to my needs whether sleeping on my side, back or stomach." Praising its quality construction, another tester said, "I also like that the exterior is a very soft cotton and the ribbing around the edges seems very high quality."
Some testers noted that the "soft" style felt too flat for their preferences. This pillow washed beautifully in our Textiles Lab evaluations, returning to its original shape after laundering with no noticeable changes in appearance or size.
| Fill | 600–650 fill power white down |
| Outer cover | 100% Supima cotton |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Sizes | Standard and King |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium and Firm |
How we test down pillows
In recent years, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has put more than 200 pillows to the test, including down styles, to find the most comfortable down pillows to buy.
To test pillows, we have real-life testers sleep on them to find the most comfortable, soft and supportive styles. Each tester is matched with a down pillow that is suitable for their sleeping position. In the Textiles Lab, our textile pros evaluate each pillow for washability and durability.
✔️ Laundering test: We first check each pillow's care label to ensure we are washing the pillow according to the recommended instructions. We use a standard detergent in the Textiles Lab and each laundry load weighs the same amount for consistency. Although most down pillows are machine washable, we make sure to note any that are dry-clean or spot-clean only. We then launder each pillow five times to check if there is any shrinkage or signs of wear.
✔️ Fit tests: GH pros put each pillow in a Standard-size pillowcase to ensure proper fit. We measure any extra space as every pillow has a slightly different shape, so you can find pillows that pair nicely with your bedding.
✔️ Pressure test: Because your head lies on your pillow almost every night, some pillows will lose their shape over time. To avoid down pillows that immediately go flat, we fold each pillow in half and then place a weight on it for a set amount of time before timing how long it takes to return to its original shape.
What to consider when shopping for the best down pillow
✔️ Know your down options. Down refers to the clusters found beneath a bird's protective feathers, usually on the belly. They’re ultra-soft, fluffy and airy fibers known to provide excellent insulation. Duck down is more affordable than goose down, but 100% goose down tends to be superior at retaining heat, which is ideal for chillier nights. Down pillows have a plush feel that many testers said was “like sleeping on a cloud" — something that cannot be perfectly mimicked in down-alternative (a.k.a. polyester) styles. However, down pillows tend to lose their shape and go flat after continued use. But if you give them a good fluff or run them through a dryer cycle, they should return to their original height.
✔️ Consider a mix for a better price. If you love the feel of down but not the high price, look for pillows that offer a mix of down and feathers. Down is softer and plusher, while standard feathers are a bit stiffer. Down-alternative fibers have a similar feel to down at a fraction of the cost. For the ultimate plush feel, 100% down pillows reign supreme, but be prepared for a high price tag.
✔️ Determine your sleeping position. When choosing the best pillow to buy, consider whether you are a side sleeper, back sleeper or stomach sleeper. It's normal to change positions throughout the night, but typically the position you wake up in is the position you were in most of the night. Here’s a simple guide to what type of pillow is best for each position:
- Side: Thick and firm
- Back: Medium height
- Stomach: Thin and soft
✔️ Peek at the care label. Most down pillows are machine washable, but some styles require a larger, front-loading washing machine and dryer balls when drying. If you notice an odor when your down pillows are wet, that’s perfectly normal. It’ll dissipate once it’s fully dry. In our evaluations, down pillows consistently took longer to dry than polyester styles. We recommend using dryer balls and multiple dry cycles to ensure your pillow is completely dry before returning it to your bed.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab associate director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has rigorously tested more than 150 pillows in the Textiles Lab and coordinated pillow sleep testing with nearly 1,000 at-home reviewers. Seymour has a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has been testing bedding for more than six years at Good Housekeeping.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
