6 Best Down Pillows, Tested by AD Editors (2025) | Architectural Digest

Jun 04, 2025

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The best down pillows are some of our favorite bed accessories because they’re incredibly plush and tend not to deflate over time. What gives them their soft, fluffy feel is down filling from goose or duck feathers. While this type of pillow is sometimes known for being too cushioned without ample support, we think they're way more versatile than they get credit for. As sleep enthusiasts, we took it upon ourselves to rest on a variety of pillows—from firm options for back and side sleepers to cushy picks for stomach sleepers.

After months to even years of use, we found that these picks stood the test of time without flattening or feathers poking out. Here, find our favorite down pillows that’ll suit every sleep style.

For consistency, all of the pillows in this list reflect standard sizes.

Amazon

Boll and Branch

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Pricey

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If you want a down pillow that strikes just the right balance between soft and sturdy, contributor Elaheh Nozari says this is the one for you. Since Nozari says she’s a stomach sleeper who prefers a cushioned pillow with a little firmness, she initially thought a down pillow wouldn’t be a great fit. This Boll & Branch pillow, however, had enough structure to keep her head from sinking straight onto her mattress. Available in three density options, she opted for the medium fill and says it defies the odds. Nozari notes that it is “extremely cozy” while still allowing her “head to feel supported.” She would recommend this pillow to anyone looking for a down pillow that doesn’t feel overly firm.

Quince

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Leans softer than a traditional foam pillow, even at the highest density level

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With a flexible and foldable design, digital features editor Katherine McLaughlin says this adjustable pick helped her make the transition from being a firm foam pillow faithful. She has it in the firm. It stays in rotation for her sleep setup since it retains its shape like a traditional foam pillow and is even easier to care for. “The pillow can be machine-washed in cold water and tumbled dry,” she says. “As someone who is very regimented about bedding cleaning, I appreciate that I can throw it in the wash without too much thought.”

Brooklinen

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Not machine washable

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As a self-proclaimed “chaotic sleeper who is constantly rotating positions,” contributor Jacqueline Wladis knew that she’d need support when shopping for a down pillow. This is the perfect pillow for her since its firm feel bolsters her neck and back as needed. “They’re not so firm that you feel like you’re sleeping on a brick, but they cradle your head,” she shares. Since the care instructions note to spot clean only, she suggests shopping for the Slumber Cloud pillowcase since it is machine washable and breathable for hot sleepers like herself.

Pom Pom at Home

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Expensive

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Before Pom Pom at Home’s high-quality down pillows, contributor Katarina Kovac says she fell victim to a variety of down alternative pillows that got lumpy and stiff with time. While this is the priciest pick on our list, she says it’s worth it thanks to its airy weight and versatility. “I recommend this pillow to anyone who likes a softer, cushier, lighter pillow while they sleep, rather than a denser, more supportive pillow,” she says. “This pillow is thin enough to where you could potentially layer it with another, if you’re someone like me with four standard pillows on their bed.”

Kovac has the pillow in a medium fill and says that it actually feels spongy in a good way. “While the firm option may have been a better choice for me personally, I actually wound up liking the medium fill, and found it to be perfect for those who like a softer, more cloud-like sleeping experience,” she notes.

Parachute

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Includes down clusters instead of just feathers

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For side sleepers like commerce editor Audrey Lee, this pillow can help offer some relief. Designed with a 3.5-inch gusset (an extra layer of fabric on the side of the pillow), this is made to “take the strain off your neck and shoulders,” Lee says, adding that it’s a great investment for both fluff and support.

“I’ve slept on lots of down pillows before—some ultra-soft and some on the firmer side—but I’d describe the feeling of this one as almost cloud-like,” Lee shares. “It’s light and airy for sure—almost like a luxury pillow you would find at a five-star hotel or resort, though I’d say the fill has a tendency to shift around so the cushion can flatten out pretty easily throughout the night.” It’s also just as durable, as she mentions that there haven’t been any feathers poking out over time.

Amazon

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Some customers note that the pillows can feel flimsy

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“I naturally gravitate towards plush pillows, and this set hasn’t disappointed,” senior commerce editor Nashia Baker says of this Amazon bestseller. “Made of both hollow and gel fibers, these pillows are great since they have a soft and firm side to fit sleepers’ preferences.” Baker says she has run into soft pillows that all fall flat pretty fast, but she notes that that’s not the case here. She’s had hers for about one year and says she still feels the “filling bounce back night in and night out.” These down alternative pillows are particularly helpful for sleepers with allergies who still like a marshmallowy feel. Despite their many accolades, these are also some of the most budget-friendly pillows you’ll find.

Instead of relying on lab testing, our editors slept on each of these pillows for at least one month in their homes to get a true feel for them. After weeks upon weeks of restful nights, our writers and contributors were able to share how well these pillows helped them comfortably fall asleep. We also thought through each of the points below.

Down Fills: Most down fills are made from goose or duck feathers. Most of the picks in our list are made of 100% European white goose feathers. Typically, these feathers feel fluffy, but note the fill power (we explain below) to really assess its fullness.

Alternative Options: While many down fill pillows are hypoallergenic from thorough cleaning and sanitizing to ensure there aren’t allergy-inducing byproducts inside, the down alternative options are still helpful for those with allergy sensitives.

Sleep Positions: We note this a bit more below, but it’s important to keep firmness levels in mind depending on your sleep position. Back and side sleepers will typically need to reach for a medium-firm density for neck support, while stomach sleepers might go for a softer, plush pillow to sink into at night.

Here are additional factors we weighed to make our final selections, as well as points we’d recommend you keep an eye out for during your shopping experience.

Fill Power: While not all sites list the fill power of their pillows, this is a good indication of how full and fluffy the down will feel in the pillow. The fill power number represents the amount of cubic inches that one ounce of down can fill. For example, a 700 fill power, like the Quince down pillow, means that one ounce of the down will fill 700 cubic inches. The higher the fill power, the fluffier the pillow. Some of the most high-end pillows can reach up in the 800 fill power range.

Density Options: For custom comfort, many pillows offer soft, medium, and firm densities. The option you choose is truly up to you, but if you typically need more neck support (talking to you, side sleepers), a medium-firm pillow is usually the best bet.

Certifications: To help ensure your pillows are free of harmful chemicals and made with sustainably sourced down, keep a look out for the below certifications.