If you're anything like me, cozying up in bed at the end of a long day is the first thing you're thinking about as soon as you open your eyes in the morning. (What can I say? I love my bed.) A huge part of that is having the perfect blanket to wrap myself up in.
Between blankets, quilts and comforters, there are plenty of options out there for top layers for your bedding. In order to help you make sense of all of the options on the market, we did the very hard job of snuggling into all kinds of bed coverings over the course of a month (and for some, years!) to find the best of the best for our 2026 Sleep Awards.
Read on to find out which ones deserve a spot in your bedroom, and don't forget to scope out our full list of winners here.
What to look for in comforters, blankets and quilts
Comforters
Dr. Andrew Colsky, a licensed professional counselor, says the main thing you should be thinking about when shopping for a comforter is warmth. "Your ideal choice depends on the season and the temperature in your home. If you tend to sleep hot, live in a warmer climate or keep the heat up in the winter, a lighter comforter with a polyfill or other synthetic filling may feel more comfortable." He adds that these also tend to be less insulating and can be easier to wash.
"On the other hand, if your room runs cool or you love that cozy, bundled-up feeling in the winter, a down comforter provides more natural insulation and tends to trap warmth better," notes Colsky.
If you're looking for a middle ground, he calls out down-alternative blends that provide "warmth without real feathers."
Colsky also says the outer fabric "matters just as much as what's inside," calling out cotton or linen as materials that tend to breathe better "which can help regulate temperature and prevent that stuffy feeling overnight...though they may wrinkle more easily." If you're looking for something that's a little more wrinkle-resistant, he says you'll want to look out for synthetic shells like microfiber, but notes that they won't be as breathable.
"Ultimately, the best comforter is the one that fits your climate, your thermostat habits and your own body temperature so you can stay comfortable without waking up too hot or too cold."
Blankets and quilts
Unlike comforters, Colsky suggests thinking about blankets and quilts in terms of layers instead of warmth. "A good blanket should make you comfortable without leaving you overheated or pinned down," he says. He offers this quick guide to materials:
- Cotton: "[It's] a reliable, year-round choice because it breathes well and feels light on the skin. Lightweight cotton or a waffle weave works especially well if you tend to sleep warm. Quilts with cotton batting are great for layering since they offer moderate warmth but still allow airflow, and they’re easy to fold back if your temperature shifts during the night.
- Wool: Colsky says this is the fabric to look for if you want more insulation. "[It's] excellent at regulating temperature and keeping you warm without feeling overly heavy."
- Fleece and other synthetics: While they can "feel soft and cozy...they can trap heat, which may be perfect in winter but too much in warmer months."
Regardless of the fabric you choose, Colsky recommends paying attention to weight, upkeep, breathability and how the fabric feels against your skin.
The Best Blankets, Quilts and Comforters from Shop TODAY's 2026 Sleep Awards
I personally tested this comforter set and I can say, without a doubt, it's absolutely incredible. My husband and I thought it'd be one we used occasionally but we were so blown away when we first felt it that it's the one we sleep with every single night.
At first, I was worried about how warm it’d be since the blankets separately are pretty lightweight, but when put together, you’re instantly nestled in a cocoon of warmth. My husband and I both like to be freezing at night, so we sleep with the fan on even in the dead of winter, and him and I both find ourselves needing to put a leg out from the blanket because it’s so warm.
The snaps that keep both blankets together are super strong, too! I thought they’d come apart often but they only have once and that was after using it for a couple weeks. Plus, each part is machine-washable and we've found that they've held up well after washing.
For $108 (or less than $76 if you take advantage of our 30% off exclusive discount through March 18 — just use the code TODAY at checkout!), you get, essentially, three blankets and four pillowcases. That’s a steal in our book and worth every penny.
While the blanket is much lighter than other throw blankets associate social media editor Dani Musacchio has owned, she says the quality is great, it’s ultra soft and it keeps her warm and cozy when she’s lounging on the couch.
“In my experience, L.L.Bean products have longevity. I would absolutely recommend this blanket to a friend,” she says. It’s not only budget-friendly, it makes a great gift and comes in a variety of colors.
Musacchio notes that it’s a pretty lightweight blanket, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for something thick or heavy.
“I know describing a faux fur throw blanket as ‘soft’ is kind of a cop out, but this is legit the softest blanket I have ever felt,” raves production associate Audrey Ekman. “It’s perfect for cuddling up with in winter.”
Ekman describes it as having enough heft to make it feel almost like a weighted blanket and as “luxuriously plush.”
The one thing she notes is that it’s quite large, so storing it may be a little difficult in smaller spaces. However, she emphasizes that it’s worth it and leaves shoppers with a warning before buying it: “Every time I get under this, I contemplate never getting out again.”
This weighted blanket is a cut above the rest for commerce editor Vivien Moon, who praises it for being designed for function and aesthetics: “It’s more elevated and can function as a blanket because of the softness without wanting to cover it up to keep it out of sight. I’m personally happy to keep this one and get rid of my other weighted blankets since this really beats them out of the park.“
She adds that the price can’t be beat, either. “I know a lot of weighted blankets can come at a higher cost and this one feels like it should be priced higher so having it be affordable makes it rank higher for me.”
Associate editor Shannon Garlin calls this “the softest, warmest blanket I’ve ever owned. It’s nice and thick, and looks lovely and luxurious draped on my couch or bed.”
While it sits at a little bit of a higher price point, Garlin says it’s worth it because the quality is very luxe and feels high-end. But don’t just take her word for it: “My cat also loves this blanket, and I noticed it doesn’t collect her fur like my other bedding.”
Associate editor Lauren Witonsky is not new to Farm to Home's duvet offerings. "I’ve had my...duvet insert for about 10 years now, so I was excited to test one of the latest offerings from the brand. This comforter was just as warm and snuggly as my old one, while still feeling breathable, making it definitely live up to its 'all seasons warmth' claim."
Witonsky opted for a king-sized duvet to put into her queen-sized duvet cover for added warmth and a more cloud-like appearance. She achieved both, but also noted that the added weight made it feel more like a weighted blanket. "My bed looked fluffier, too, but since my duvet cover is a thin cotton/linen blend, you could see some of the areas [where] it got mushed inside. Both of these trade-offs are worth it in my opinion, but just something to consider in terms of recommending it to a friend!"
The worst part of a duvet is often getting it situated inside the cover, but Witonsky says that wasn't a problem here. "I loved that this duvet insert had little strings across all four corners, making it easy to tie it down to the duvet cover. My old duvet insert doesn’t have this feature, so I just tie it directly to the comforter, but sometimes it slips off. I don’t foresee that happening with this option."
"I love how cozy my bed feels now," says associate editor Madison San Miguel. "It isn’t too heavy, but makes my comforter feel more thicker to bundle up in. I’d say it is true to its title — the bedding is light and ‘airy’ enough where you don’t feel weighted down, but thick enough to keep you warm."
She also loved how fluffy it was, adding more dimension to the aesthetic of her bed set up: "My bedding is white, so a quilt is a great way to layer and add a bit of contrast to your bedding, especially if it is neutral like mine."
The chief complaint writer Emma Stessman has about this blanket is that she "doesn't sleep as well when I'm traveling because I don't have it with me." Her sister even says she sleeps better with it when she's visiting!
She likes that the knitted design allows for airflow so you don't overheat while using it. "I love sleeping with it and really think that it helps me fall asleep faster and sleep deeper... I’ve owned this blanket for years and have recommended it to countless people. It’s stylish, comfortable and really works."
Frequently asked questions
Colsky provides the following quick guide for caring for your comforters, blankets and quilts based on material type:
- Cotton: "[They're] usually the easiest to manage since most can go into the washer and dryer, though they do wrinkle, especially if left sitting in the dryer."
- Linen: "[It] wrinkles even more [than cotton], but many people like its relaxed look."
- Wool: This one requires more attention. Gentle washing, cold water, air drying or even dry cleaning will prevent shrinking.
- Synthetic materials (fleece, polyester blends, microfiber): These are the lowest maintenance compared to other materials. "They resist wrinkles, dry quickly and hold their shape well after repeated washes."
- Down alternative: Quilts made of this material are machine-washable, but Colsky notes that you may need a larger washer because of their bulk.
- Bamboo-derived fabrics: "They're washable but do best on gentle cycles with low heat."
If you're unsure what fabric is best for you, Colsky offers the following advice: "If easy care and a smooth appearance are most important, synthetics are practical. If breathability and a natural feel matter more, cotton or linen may be worth a little extra effort."
Colsky says there can be! It ultimately depends on how you sleep and what you like.
If you tend to run warm, quilts may be best for you since they're typically lighter and less bulky. "They're thinner and often made with breathable cotton, [which means] they allow for better airflow. That can help with temperature regulation," he notes.
Quilts can also be paired with a lightweight blanket in cooler weather and then scaled back when it's warmer, as opposed to committing to one thick comforter all year-round.
"That said, if you love that plush, cocooned feeling in winter, a comforter may feel cozier. It really comes down to how warm you sleep, how much layering flexibility you want and whether you prefer light and breathable or thick and enveloping," says Colsky.
"Weighted blankets can help some people sleep better, but they are not for everyone," says Colsky. "The idea behind them is something called 'deep pressure stimulation.' The gentle, even pressure across the body can feel grounding and calming, almost like a steady hug. For people who struggle with anxiety, restlessness or that wired-but-tired feeling at night, that added weight can help quiet the nervous system and make it easier to settle down. Some individuals with ADHD or sensory processing differences also report that weighted blankets help them feel more contained and less fidgety at bedtime."
However, if you tend to sleep hot, Colsky notes that a weighted blanket can trap warmth and make you feel uncomfortable. They can also be restrictive for people who dislike pressure or who change positions frequently throughout the night.
As a general rule, they are often recommended at around 10% of your body weight, but comfort matters more than any formula. People with certain medical conditions, like untreated sleep apnea, respiratory issues or mobility limitations, should check with a healthcare provider before using one. For the right person, though, a weighted blanket can be a simple, non-medication tool that adds a sense of calm to the bedtime routine," says Colsky.
Colsky says you should focus on comfort first. "A common guideline is about 10% of your body weight, but it should feel calming, not restrictive. Look for evenly distributed glass beads or pellets so the weight doesn’t bunch up, and choose a breathable outer fabric like cotton or bamboo if you tend to sleep warm."
He encourages choosing a weighted blanket that's easy to clean, like one with a removable, washable cover.
Cleaning expert Rechelle Balanzat previously told Shop TODAY recommends using a commercial washing machine (like one at a laundromat) if it's machine-washable.
If your weighted blanket isn’t machine-washable, she suggests two different methods: spot cleaning and hand-washing.
- Spot cleaning: “For small stains, use a mild detergent and a damp cloth,” she says. “Dab the area gently to avoid over-saturating the filler.”
- Hand-washing: In this case, Balanzat recommends using your bathtub as a mock washing machine — kneading the blanket while washing. Then, rinse it out thoroughly and press excess water out — do not wring it out.
How we chose
Our team of editors, writers and staffers sorted through nearly 300 new launches, editor and expert recommendations, trending and tried-and-true products to solidify our testing pool of 175 contenders. To determine our list of 66 winners, we incorporated products into our sleep routines over the span of a month to see if they meet requirements when it comes to quality, special features, value and overall satisfaction for bedding, sleepwear, gadgets, beauty products and other bedtime innovators. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners to give their sign-off based on durability, material and other features that make a quality sleep product.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Andrew Colsky, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of the Center for Professional Counseling.
- Rechelle Balanzat is the founder and CEO of Juliette, a New York City-based laundry and dry cleaning service. She has previously shared insight with Shop TODAY about stain removers, bath towels, laundry detergent sheets and more.
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Bedsure Gentlesoft 2-in-1 Queen Comforter Set
Bedsure Gentlesoft 2-in-1 Queen Comforter Set