The 10 Best Down Pillows (2021 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

Looking for a plush pillow that’s so comfy it cushions and supports at the same time?  Then you need a down pillow. But how do you find the best one in a sea of products all claiming to be the best? We’re here to help! We’ve reviewed and evaluated dozens of the best down pillows so you don’t have to.

In our rankings, we looked at multiple components:

• Comfort and materials
• Durability and warranty
• Ease of care 
• Price and buying perks

For more details on our rating criteria and helpful information on down pillows, check out our methodology and insightful buyer’s guide.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect pillow for your beauty sleep!

Affiliate Disclosure

If you’re wondering who makes the best down pillows, you’ll find more than one review pointing to Parachute as the answer.

Our top pick, this super-comfy, moldable, and supportive pillow is sold in three firmness options—the ideal match for any kind of sleeper.

Materials

The Parachute Down is an ultra-plush, fluffy pillow containing 85% of the finest RDS-certified, ethically sourced goose down. To top it off, it’s covered in a super-breathable, 100% sateen cotton shell that stops heat from building up and ensures that sleepers are dry and cool through the night.

Feel

All three versions of this pillow are airy and light; however, with their 750 fill power, they’re astonishingly lofty and supportive at the same time.

Rated the best down pillow for stomach sleepers by several reviews, as well as our tests, the Parachute Down allows users to comfortably sink into the pillow, resting their neck in a neutral position.

The Medium has the perfect loft and height for back sleepers, whereas side sleepers would benefit most from the Firm, which is the densest and most supportive. 

Durability

The double-stitched piping along the seams keeps the fill fluffy and evenly distributed no matter how much you scrunch or snuggle the pillow. To show that the Parachute down pillow is genuinely durable, the brand backs it up with a three-year warranty (the best in the industry). 

Care 

Machine wash on a delicate cycle and dry briefly on low heat to keep these soft down pillows clean and fresh. It’s as easy as that!

• Sizes: Standard and King
• Certificates: RDS (Responsible Down Standard), Oeko-Tex

Pros:

• Three density options
• High fill power  
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• Some very mild off-gassing

Available in three firmness options, the Brooklinen Down Pillow is versatile, affordable, supportive, and unbelievably soft. 

Materials

The Plush model is made of 100% premium goose down, while the Mid-Plush and Firm pillows have a dual-core construction with an inner layer of feathers for extra support.

All three are encased in a 400 thread count cotton sateen cover, which is breathable as well, boosting airflow and offering superior temperature regulation.

Feel

The Plush is ideal for stomach sleepers, delivering deep sinkage around the head and neck.

The Mid-Plush and Firm models have enough reinforcement to suit most users but are recommended as the best down pillows for side sleepers. They provide proper spinal alignment, resulting in a restful, ache-free slumber. 

Durability

Thanks to the double-stitching, which keeps the fill from escaping or shifting, this Brooklinen pillow isn’t just the best goose down pillow—it’s the most durable.

Care

The cotton cover is treated with Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobials to keep it clean and free of odors and allergy triggers, making maintenance super easy and straightforward. 

Airing it out or spot-cleaning with a mild detergent should keep this down pillow in good shape for years to come. 

• Sizes: Standard and King 
• Certificates: Downmark, OEKO-TEX 

Pros:

• Soft and supportive
• Three firmness options
• Excellent price

Cons:

• No RDS certification

Helix combines the plush properties of down and the support of feathers to make the best down pillows for neck pain and backaches.

Materials

Helix features an advanced three-chamber design. The inner core is made up of 95% down and 5% feathers, while the outer chambers are packed with 550 white down fill power for extra plushness.

Adding to the comfort and softness of the fill is the cotton Cambric cover, which boosts airflow and breathability.

Even though it contains high-quality materials, including ethically sourced down, the Helix is priced lower than other pillows. So it’s an excellent choice for animal-conscious and budget-savvy shoppers.

Feel

Unlike all-down pillows, which might feel too soft for some users, Helix’s proprietary mix of feather and down in the inner core prevents excessive sinkage. Instead, this firm down pillow keeps the sleeper’s head elevated and the spine properly aligned, helping reduce neck and back pain.

Durability

The reinforced German piping along the edges ensures the fill won’t shift or clump, allowing this pillow to keep its shape longer than other models.

Care

The Helix down pillow insert fits snuggly into most pillowcases, making cleaning and washing the cover a walk in the park.

• Sizes: Standard/Queen and King
• Certificates: RDS, OEKO-TEX

Pros:

• Soft and luxurious
• Great for hot sleepers
• Seasonal sales and offers

Cons:

• Only one firmness option

If you’re looking for a snuggly, versatile, high-end pillow to keep you warm on those chilly winter nights, there isn’t a brand better than Kassatex for the job!

Materials

One of the best goose down pillows, Kassatex packs an impressive 650 fill power of premium-quality European white goose down. The down has been treated and washed according to the strictest government standards. Plus, it’s Oeko-Tex certified, so it’s 100% safe.

Even though the material sleeps a bit warm, the silky smooth cotton cover is breathable and airy enough to stop too much heat from building up.

Feel

Warm and insulating, the Kassatex pillow delivers the ultimate down feel no matter which of the three firmness models you choose.

That said, the Firm down pillow is probably best suited to side sleepers, while back and stomach sleepers will find much to love in the softer and plusher options.

Durability

The cover is light and airy, but thanks to the 350 thread count, it’s smooth and down-proof enough to stop the fill from leaking.

Care 

Machine-washable and dryable, there’s no need for any extra costs or trouble when taking care of the Kassatex down pillow.

• Sizes: Standard/Queen and King 
• Certificates: Oeko-Tex

Pros:

• Three firmness options 
• Soft, luxurious & insulating  
• Numerous sales and discounts 

Cons:

• Might be too warm for hot sleepers 

Faced with the feather pillows vs. down pillows dilemma? Then why not go with Casper, a pillow that incorporates both materials in an innovative, durable design.

Materials

The Casper boasts a one-of-a-kind five-chamber construction, featuring a blend of ethically sourced duck down and feathers in the inner and outer chambers, while the inner panels are polyester. The fill is housed in an airy, soft cotton shell.

Feel 

Casper’s pillow delivers an unrivaled combo of support and comfort, as expected of the best feather and down pillows. 

With 80% down in the outer chambers, the pillow conforms nicely to the sleeper’s head and neck. The inner section, which has a 60/40 down-to-feather ratio, provides reinforced support for proper alignment and optimal pressure relief. 

Durability

The unique construction and durable materials prolong the overall lifespan of these luxury down pillows. 

Care

Is there anything easier to maintain than a pillow you can throw in the washer and dryer? Afterward, just fluff it out and enjoy a comfy good night’s rest!

• Sizes: Standard and King 
• Certificates: RDS, OEKO-TEX

Pros:

• Available in two sizes
• Machine-washable 
• Coupon deals and sales

Cons:

• Costly for feather- and down-filled pillows

This Pacific Coast down pillow is favored by users and hotels worldwide thanks to its unique construction, high-end look, and lavish feel.

Materials

Another feather and down blend, the Double DownAround is actually a pillow inside a pillow.

Filled with feather, the inner core is firmer, but it’s encased in one of the softest down pillows, with a 550 down fill power in the outer section. This innovative construction is covered in a 233 thread count organic cotton shell, complete with a blue cord sewn into the seam, making this one of the best down feather pillows with a luxury feel and chic look.

The natural down and feather fill has been treated with a Hyperclean washing process to filter out any allergy triggers, including dust and dirt. Backed up by a 30-day allergy-free warranty, this material seems to be a safe option for people with allergies and sensitivities. 

Feel

Medium-soft and supportive, these are the best down pillows for sleepers who want a bit more firmness out of their fluffy pillow. 

The pillow-in-a-pillow design delivers resilient support but retains the traditional qualities of down, such as plushness and gentle cushioning.

Durability

The 1.5-inch gusset around the pillow’s edges and the Barrier Weave in the cover work together to keep the down-and-feather blend in place, ensuring it remains lofty for years to come.

Care

These Pacific Coast medium-soft down pillows can fit into any washing machine and dryer and come out looking as fluffy as ever.

• Sizes: Standard, Queen, and King
• Certificates: RDS, GOTS

Pros:

• Modern look & luxurious feel
• Allergy-free
• Frequent sales and deals

Cons:

• A bit expensive

Containing 100% goose down fill, Continental Bedding delivers quality, comfort, and loft in one elegant pillow.

Materials

Covered in a 100% Egyptian cotton shell, this pillow is made exclusively of top-grade white goose down. As is the case with the best goose down pillows, the material has been ethically harvested and RDS-certified.

What’s more, the entire production process takes place in the US, so safety and quality are guaranteed.

Feel

Containing a fill power of 550, Continental Bedding’s down pillow has the perfect amount of loft, plushness, and height to suit any sleeping position. Plus, it’s available in a Soft or Firm model, ideal for any sleeper.

Durability

The high-quality stitching and reinforced seams make this goose down pillow exceptionally durable. At the same time, the 300 thread count in the cover further protects the fill from leaking, clumping, or getting damaged.

Care

These down pillows are best for hassle-free care and maintenance. Washer- and dryer-friendly, you can keep them fluffy and plush the fast and easy way.

• Sizes: Standard, Queen, and King 
• Certificates: RDS  

Pros:

• Two firmness options
• Ethically sourced down
• Ideal for all kinds of sleepers

Cons:

• No warranty

Egyptian Bedding is a well-known name in the world of down bedding, and its high fill power and medium-firm goose down pillow doesn’t fall short in quality and comfort. If you’re looking for the best price on a goose down pillow, this is a great option. 

Materials

Egyptian Bedding’s pillow is composed of 80% of the finest goose down and 20% goose feathers for support and firmness. However, the star in the construction of this luxurious pillow is the 100% Egyptian cotton cover. Boasting a staggering 1200 thread count, this cotton shell is soft, gentle, and durable.

Feel 

Filled with 750 fill power, this pillow is amazingly lofty. However, thanks to the above-average fill weight (50 oz of down), it has a medium-to-firm feel. In fact, if you’re looking for the best firm down pillow, more than one review has mentioned this model as being on the firmer side. Thus, it provides excellent head and neck support for all sleeping positions.

Durability

Egyptian Bedding’s down pillow is sturdy and long-lasting, primarily due to its weight. The high thread count in the cover and the down-proof stitching further ensure that the fill stays inside and doesn’t shift or clump.

Care

The outer cover of this goose down pillow is hypoallergenic, so there’s no need to wash it as frequently as other pillows. Light spot cleaning should get rid of most stains on these firm down pillows.  

• Sizes: Standard/Queen and King
• Certificates: None

Pros:

• Two sizes available 
• Suitable for all sleepers 
• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• No discounts or warranty

In addition to the best down alternative pillows, Downlite makes some of the highest-rated, most comfortable, and versatile down pillows. 

Materials

The company’s best-seller, this extra-soft pillow is made entirely of down covered in a light-blue cotton Damask shell. The down in this pillow is RestAssured Hypoallergenic, specifically treated to stop allergens and dust mites from affecting your slumber. What’s more, it’s certified by the RDS as ethically and sustainably sourced—a must for any of the best down pillows in the world.

Feel 

This pillow is specifically designed to help stomach sleepers, users with neck issues, and people who don’t like a lot of loft. It’s thin and flat, and although it may not have the highest fill power, it’s exceptionally soft and comfy.

Durability

Since this pillow isn’t too lofty, there’s no risk of it going flat with use. The 250 thread count shell further keeps the down safely in the cover, making sure it doesn’t poke through or leak. 

Care

Not only are these soft down pillows machine-washable, but they fit in all pillowcases. Pillow covers can protect the down and reduce the number of times it needs to be washed a year. 

• Sizes: Standard, Queen, and King
• Certificates: RDS

Pros:

• Machine-washable 
• Hypoallergenic
• Multiple sales and deals

Cons:

• Not too lofty for side and back sleepers

Offering a set of two pillows at an affordable price, Puredown is the best place to buy down pillows for shoppers on a budget. 

Materials

This Puredown pillow consists of 95% goose feather and 5% goose down. The down and feathers have been cleaned and disinfected through HTD, so there’s no residue of chemicals, odors, or allergy triggers. What’s more, the cotton cover has a double-layered fabric to protect sleepers with sensitivities. 

The outer shell also adds softness and a touch of elegance to any mattress in the business—quilted with a double-diamond lattice, this pillow looks high-end and elegant. 

Feel 

These queen- and king-size down pillows are plush and fluffy (they come with 600 fill power), yet thick and supportive thanks to the 47 oz of goose down feather in the fill. This means Puredown’s pillow has a medium-soft feel, conforming to the head and neck but avoiding too much sinkage and inadequate spinal support.

Durability

There are no chances for the fill to poke through or shift in this pillow. Wrapped in a 233 thread-count, double layer of fabric, the cover is 100% down-proof. Moreover, it features a box-stitch design to prevent clumping or loss of shape. 

Care

When it comes to how to wash these down pillows, all you need to do is throw them in the washing machine to get them looking brand new again. 

• Sizes: Standard/Queen and King
• Certificates: RDS

Pros:

• Comes in a set of 2 pillows
• Available in 2 sizes 
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Low down content 

In order to present you with unbiased, objective reviews of the highest-rated down pillows, our team of experts evaluated and tested dozens of pillows currently available on the market. 

These are the criteria we used to select the best: 

Comfort & Feel 

A truly comfortable down pillow should be soft and moldable to suit all sleeping positions, but lofty and supportive enough for optimal pressure relief and spinal alignment. 

Lucky for us, when ranking down pillows based on comfort level, there was no shortage of choice. 

All the pillows we tested in our best down pillows reviews performed very well. However, the ones that made it onto our list combined plushness and support for exceptional comfort and a pain-free, restful slumber.

Materials

From a down and feather blend to the best Hungarian down pillow, our rankings have them all, letting you choose which fill is best for you.

We avoided variations in cover fabric, sticking to breathable cotton shells, instead. This material is known to boost airflow, wick away moisture, and prevent heat buildup during the night.

Whichever fill or cover you choose, rest assured that all the products in our reviews are made of premium quality materials that have been certified by the strictest standards in the industry.

Durability

Down is naturally more durable than other materials—the average lifespan of a down pillow is 5–10 years. 

Still, to prolong your pillow’s longevity, some of the best down pillow inserts feature special designs or double-stitching along the perimeter. This kind of construction helps keep the pillow in shape by stopping the fill from leaking or clumping.

Not only did we give higher marks to pillows that had an enduring, leak-proof design, but we also valued companies that back up their products with a considerable warranty period. 

Care & Maintenance

Down pillows are notoriously hard to maintain and clean. Even if the fill isn’t 100% down, most pillows of this type need to be fluffed every day and are only suitable for dry-cleaning.

To save you the trouble of complicated washing and drying procedures, all the best-rated down pillows in our rankings are easy to clean and care for. Actually, the majority of them can be washed and dried or spot-cleaned for quick and simple stain removal. 

Price

Down pillows are generally more expensive than buckwheat or foam pillows. On average, these pillows can cost anywhere from $80 to $160. Some, such as high-quality Hungarian goose down pillows, come with an even higher price tag. 

We tried to keep all our products in this price range while prioritizing brands that offer the best value for the money. This includes pillow manufacturers that offer frequent sales and promotions, as well as generous return and shipping policies.

These buying perks can result in some serious savings, and considering the price of down pillows, you’ll want them.

Size and Firmness Options

Finally, we considered the variety of sizes and firmness options available. We gave more points to companies that manufacture goose and duck down pillows in several sizes and density options. This way, shoppers can find a brand they trust and then choose from a wide range of products to pick the pillow that ticks all their boxes.

Down offers an unmatched feel of plushness and luxury—ideal for people who want to sink into their pillow and truly feel like they’re sleeping on the fluffiest cloud. 

Still, you shouldn’t jump the gun and buy the first soft pillow you see. There are many factors to consider when buying luxury down pillows, from price and type of fill to thread count and fill power.

Our detailed guide will cover all the crucial aspects shoppers need to know before getting to checkout.

What Is a Down Pillow?

Down is the inner plumage found under the coarser exterior feathers of ducks and geese. 

The primary function of down is to insulate birds against the cold. This is why it’s become commonly used in winter jackets and clothes as well as bedding, including some of the comfiest and softest comforters and the best pillows. 

Note that most manufacturers use a combination of down and feathers in their down-filled pillows. The feathers are placed in the center so that the pad still retains its softness, and there’s only a slight difference in feel. 

This “down and feather blend” must contain at least 75% down to be labeled a “down pillow.” If the down-to-feather ratio is lower, then federal guidelines require the product to be labeled a feather pillow.

Of course, some pillows contain 100% down fill, but these are a very rare find and an expensive one at that.

Goose vs. Duck Down 

One of the first questions to consider is, which is better, goose down or duck down?

Goose Down

If you want the best no matter the cost, then goose down is the fill you should go with.

Geese are bigger than ducks, so their down comes in thicker clusters, making the pillow feel plusher and fluffier. Goose down provides more insulation than duck and has a higher fill power but ends up costing more.

Duck Down

Duck down is harvested in smaller clusters, so these pillows are less supportive and durable than goose down. Nevertheless, duck down pillows provide plenty of comfort and fluff. Plus, they’re much more affordable than goose down.

For people who want a cloud-like sleep without the hefty price tag, pillows with duck down fill can be an excellent choice.

Choosing Between a Down vs. Down Alternative Pillow

Down alternative pillows are filled with synthetic materials, usually polyester microfiber. These pillows may not be the real thing, but they come very close, especially in terms of comfort and cooling properties. In fact, some down alternatives can sleep cooler than actual down. 

Plus, they are less bulky, much more affordable, and, most importantly, hypoallergenic—so they’re safe for people suffering from allergies. 

What Is Fill Power?

Fill power indicates how much space an ounce of down takes up in cubic meters when allowed to reach maximum loft. The higher the fill power, the better the quality.

So what is the best fill power for a down pillow? According to expert reviews, pillows with a fill power of 700 and higher are the most luxurious and durable. This means they come with the highest price tag too.

However, down pillows with 500–550 fill power should still provide sufficient loft and comfort without breaking the bank.

Think About Your Sleep Position

Loft is closely related to sleep position and style.

For instance, stomach sleepers need a low-loft down pillow that can easily mold to their sleeping position, while side sleepers need more fill power for optimal head, neck, and spinal alignment.

The best down pillows for back sleepers, on the other hand, fall into the mid-range when it comes to loft—they should have enough fill power to keep the body aligned, but not too much. Sleepers might experience neck and shoulder discomfort if their head is elevated too high. 

Fill Weight and Firmness

Fill power shouldn’t be confused with fill weight, which shows how much the pillow, or rather how much the fill, weighs.

The weight determines firmness, so a down pillow with a higher fill weight will be firmer, even if it has a lower loft.

In other words, if you want a more supportive down pillow, look for options with high fill weight. However, even firm down pillows are generally softer than other materials, so if you’re looking for true firmness, try memory foam or latex.

What’s a Good Down-to-Feather Ratio?

As a rule, 100% down pillows aren’t only very hard to find. However, they may feel too soft for most users, especially heavyweight sleepers who could experience unwanted sinkage and wake up with neck discomfort and backaches.

Between 75% and 80% down is a happy medium for sleepers who want plushness and support at affordable prices.

What About Thread Count?

When shopping for the best down pillow, you should remember that it isn’t just about the inside—the exterior counts as well. 

This is where thread count comes in. The term refers to the smoothness and softness of the surface. Simply put, a cover with a higher thread count feels gentler and comfier. What’s more, it protects the fill from leaking or shifting too much.

Besides thread count, you should consider the material in the cover. Look for breathable fabrics like organic cotton and cotton percale. These regulate temperature and add plushness, thus contributing to a more comfortable slumber. 

Do Down Pillows Sleep Hot?

Even though down is used as an insulating material, most down pillows, reviews show, actually sleep cooler than others, like memory foam. 

What’s the Cost?

A good-quality down pillow costs between $70 and $120. Products with higher down content and fill power might cost more, especially those made from goose down. 

To get the most bang for your buck, check out brands that provide solid return policies and free shipping. It’s good to be on the lookout for sales and discounts too—some deals can get you as much as 25% off the original price.

How Easy Are Care and Maintenance?

Down pillows—the best-quality goose down pillows, in particular—are gentle and luxurious, so they need to be washed and dried with the utmost care. 

That said, there are machine-washable down pillows as well as pillows that come with a removable, washer-friendly cover. These two options are worth looking into if you want to avoid the hassle of having your pillow dry-cleaned or going through a complicated washing procedure.  

Where Does the Down Come From?

The best-rated down pillows should contain materials that have been responsibly and ethically sourced.

Look for the RDS logo on down pillows. This is the strictest certification standard in the industry. RDS-certified manufacturers must be able to track the source of their materials and are prohibited from plucking down from live animals, thus ensuring that the birds are treated humanely. 

How Many Sizes Are Available? 

You can usually find down pillow inserts in these sizes:

• Standard size (20″ x 26″) is the most common option for down pillows and, thus, the most available and most reasonably priced.
• Super standard size (20″ x 28″) is a tad longer than standard—it’s great for people who find the former too compact.
• Queen-size pillows (20″ x 30″) are perfect for restless sleepers who change positions throughout the night.
• King-size down pillows (20″ x 36″) are big enough to support your neck and head as you toss and turn in the night. They can serve as a head or backrest as well.
• Euro-size down pillows are square-shaped and sold in several dimensions, although these are more commonly used as headrests or backrests than sleeping pillows.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Down Pillow

So is a down pillow the right choice for you, or should you look for other fill materials? 

Let’s summarize the advantages and disadvantages of down pillows.

The Pros

• The best down-filled pillows are exceptionally moldable and can easily conform to your head and neck. 
• Great for hugging and snuggling, down pillows can be scrunched and adjusted to your preferred sleeping position.
• With a lifespan of 5–10 years, down pillows are considerably more durable than other materials. 
• Thanks to the lightweight fill, these pillows are more breathable and can stop even the hottest sleepers from overheating.
• Down pillows are silent and perfect for sharing a bed with a restless sleeper.

The Cons

• Down pillows aren’t an option for people with allergies and sensitivities. 
• They’re high maintenance and may not be the right fit for users who don’t have the extra time. 
• Down pillows, especially the best Hungarian goose down pillows, can be quite expensive.
• These pillows are very soft and moldable. In general, sleepers who need more firmness and support out of their pillow—like heavyweight sleepers, snorers, or those with sleep apnea—might want to consider other options.
• Down pillows might have an unpleasant smell at first, although this should dissipate quickly.

Bottom Line

Down pillows are not perfect, but they provide a level of comfort and luxury that no other material can ever match. So if you’re in the market for plush and cozy head support, buy a down pillow today and enjoy a cloud-like, relaxing sleep.