We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
7 Best Down Pillows of 2023, According to Bedding Experts
Sleep soundly with these cloud-like, fluffy yet supportive pillows.
If you're looking to upgrade your sleep, buying new pillows is a great place to start. There are so many types of top-tested pillows to choose from, including memory foam pillows, down alternative pillows and even latex pillows, but there’s nothing plusher than traditional down pillows. If you’re shopping for a new pillow, you’ll quickly learn that there are a lot of options on the market. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab put over 160 pillows to the test in the Lab and with consumer testers find the best down pillows of 2023.
Our top picks:
Our pros wash each pillow multiple times and perform pressure recovery tests to mimic real-life use. GH analysts first match up testers to pillows that match their fill preferences and are suitable for their sleeping positions before testers use the pillow and give feedback. All of our extensive testing leads to thousands of data points for GH analysts to go through before making these recommendations.
After learning about our top-tested picks, keep reading for all of our experts' down pillow shopping tips to find the most supportive and long-lasting pillows for your bed. Looking for a soft, plush, down comforter to match your down pillow? Check out our guide to the best down comforters.
Best Pillows | Best Cooling Pillows | Best Body Pillows | Best Pillows for Side Sleepers | Best Pillows for Back Sleepers | Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers | Best Pillows for Neck Pain
Parachute Home Down Pillow
Pros
- Aced durability testing
- Double stitched hem
- Multiple firmness levels available
Cons
- Firmer pillows are more expensive
With the top score out of all the down pillows we tested in the Lab, Parachute’s down pillow was also popular among real-life testers. It received a perfect durability score, as it had no change in appearance or shrinkage after machine washing. Our textile pros and testers found that it maintained its shape after use.
It's 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.
Who it's best for: With options for people with every sleeping position, this pillow has three densities: soft for stomach sleepers and medium or firm for back sleepers. Parachute also offers a down side sleeper pillow too.
Tester notes: Raving that it's both comfortable and supportive, every tester said they could continue using this pillow. One tester said "it was absolutely dreamy!" and "it is actually the most comfortable pillow I have ever used." Another tester exclaimed "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, King with soft, medium and firm options |
FluffCo Down Pillow
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
For a more affordable, fluffy pillow, opt for a style that features both down and feathers. FluffCo uses a two-layer design with down on the outer layer for softness and feathers in the core for support.
The responsibly sourced fill is available in both soft and firm options. It didn't shrink after washing, and our pros liked how nicely it fit inside a pillowcase. As it's not as luxe as other picks, we did notice that some feathers poked through the edges during testing. We love that this pick comes with a free, included pillow protector.
Who it's best for: Anyone who wants the luxurious feel of real down without the high price tag. Because of the two layer design, it offers more support compared to other down pillows.
Tester notes: 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" and another raved "this pillow was extremely comfortable to sleep on no matter in what position I slept in."
| Fill | Outer pillow: white duck down and inner pillow: white duck feathers |
|---|---|
| Outer Cover | 100% cotton |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Sizes | Queen, King with soft and firm options |
Cuddledown 800 Fill Power European Goose Down Sateen Pillow
Cuddledown 800 Fill Power European Goose Down Sateen Pillow
Pros
- 800 fill power
- Soft outer cotton cover
- Excellent durability after laundering
Cons
- Expensive
Side sleepers need a firm pillow with a higher height, but many down pillows are just too flat. Cuddledown’s down pillows are ideal for side sleepers as they offer a higher fill power of 800. Filled with white goose down, this pillow features a 450 thread count cover that 100% cotton.
After laundering, this pillow did not shrink or change appearance in our tests. If the pillow looks flat out of the washer, don’t fret, as it fluffed back up to its original height after drying in our evaluations. We also loved Cuddledown's 700 fill power pillow, if you sleep on your back or stomach.
Who it's best for: Side sleepers who crave the plush feel of down and require a higher pillow height. It's also ideal for those with a larger frame or anyone who is constantly layering multiple pillows to achieve proper support.
Tester notes: "I love that it is supportive as well as soft," said one tester who was overall impressed with its airy feel. Testers loved that it kept its shape night after night and many raved that they never overheated while sleeping on this pillow.
| Fill | 800 fill power white goose down |
|---|---|
| Outer material | 100% cotton sateen (450 thread count) |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Sizes | Standard, Queen, King, European with stomach, soft, medium and overfilled options |
Casper Down Pillow
Casper Down Pillow
Pros
- 2" side gusset to maintain its shape
- Five chamber design keeps fill evenly distributed
- Testers gave high marks for comfort and taking its proper shape immediately
Cons
- Took longer to return to its original shape after pressure tests
Back sleepers need a thinner pillow than side sleepers for proper neck alignment. This down pillow from Casper has a loft that's ideal for back sleepers. It fits 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 Lab pressure tests). The five-chamber design keeps the down and feather fill evenly distributed.
Who it's best for: With the proper height and support, this pillow is best suited for back sleepers. This pillow is great for someone who loves the feel of down, but doesn't want to sink too deeply into their pillow as this one is on the thinner side.
Tester notes: This 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."
| Fill | Both 80% white duck down, 20% feather outer chambers and 60% white duck down, 40% feather inner chambers |
|---|---|
| Outer cover | 100% cotton (interior shells use polyester) |
| Care | Machine washable (front-loading machines only) |
| Sizes | Standard, King |
Home Decorators Collection Down Surround Jumbo Pillow
Home Decorators Collection Down Surround Jumbo Pillow
Pros
- Versatile pillow for sleeping or lounging
- Affordable price
- Good Housekeeping Seal holder
Cons
- Showed signs of wear after extensive laundering
With a medium loft, this pillow is suitable for multiple sleeping positions, but our testers said its low loft is ideal for stomach sleepers. It features a unique design with a supportive inner chamber of feathers that's surrounded by fluffy down for ultimate softness.
After laundering and drying five times, this pillow showed no shrinkage, but it did show some signs of wear. The down is certified by the Responsible Down Standard for traceability in the supply chain. It's also a Good Housekeeping Seal holder, so it's covered by our limited warranty.
Who it's best for: Stomach sleeper testers especially loved this pillow for having a thinner loft while feeling plush and cozy to cuddle up with. Because of their thinner loft and affordable price point, we found this pillow great to use with pillow shams.
Tester notes: Most testers gave high marks for support, loving that it didn't fully lose its shape like other down pillows; one tester even raved "I love this pillow! I always liked the feel of down pillows but did not like the way they seem to flatten all the way after a little while. This pillow solved that issue, it only flattens about halfway and you still feel supported." "I liked the plush feel when sleeping. It also had a great look with and without a pillowcase. It looked great on a made bed," noted one tester.
| Fill | 550 fill power with inner chamber: 88% waterfowl feathers and outer chamber: 12% white down |
|---|---|
| Outer cover | 100% cotton sateen (250 thread count) |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Sizes | Jumbo, King |
Hotel Collection European White Goose Down Medium Pillow
Hotel Collection European White Goose Down Medium Pillow
Pros
- Removable cover
- Testers loved that it maintained its shape
Cons
- Too firm for some testers
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, sold exclusively at Macy's. 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.
Who it's best for: Anyone who sleeps best in a luxurious hotel bed. These pillows help you achieve that same feel at home. It's also 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).
Tester notes: Testers especially loved that it kept its shape after use with one tester exclaiming "I like that it was soft, yet is 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.
| 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 |
Allswell The Supreme Pillow
Pros
- Combines multiple materials for ultimate support
- Machine washable cover
- Affordable price
Cons
- Takes time to conform to your head, according to some testers
Down creates an excellent plush feel, but it doesn't always offer enough support for some. This hybrid pillow from Allswell features down and polyester fibers with a solid memory foam core. Because of the foam core, only the plush cover is machine washable. In testing, the cover didn't shrink after laundering, but we did notice some wear on the cover after five washes and the pillow took a bit of time to return to its shape after Lab pressure tests.
Who it's best for: People who love the plush feel of down, but want the support they get from a memory foam pillow. It's best suited for side sleepers and people who prefer higher, firmer pillows. If you prefer a very fluffy, less firm pillow, you can remove the internal foam core.
Tester notes: Testers appreciated that this pillow kept its shape after use and had a higher loft compared to other down pillows they've tried. "After initially being stiff, it did eventually conform to my way of sleeping," noted one tester. Another exclaimed, "I used it for the testing period and my husband 'stole it' from me and insisted I order a second one."
| Fill | 50% polyester and 50% down chamber around a memory foam core |
|---|---|
| Outer cover | 100% cotton |
| Care | Only cover is machine washable |
| Sizes | Standard, King |
How we test down pillows
In recent years, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has put more than 160 pillows to the test to find the most comfortable down pillows to buy. GH fiber scientists analyzed over 4,000 data points before making these recommendations.
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 Lab, our textile pros evaluate each pillow in the Lab for washability and durability. Here is more information about each of our Lab evaluations:
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 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.
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 own bedding.
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.
How to buy 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, as 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.
✔️ Determine your sleeping position. When choosing the best pillow to buy, you should know 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
✔️ 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.
✔️ 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, don’t worry as that’s perfectly normal – it’ll dissipate after 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 you can trust Good Housekeeping
Emma Seymour is the senior textiles analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has rigorously tested more than 100 pillows in the Textiles Lab and coordinated pillow sleep testing with hundreds of at-home reviewers. Emma has a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has been testing bedding for more than four years at Good Housekeeping.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at 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.
