The Best Bedding of 2026: The Sheets, Pillows, and Comforters Sleep Experts Actually Recommend
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As a bedding expert in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I’m constantly asked: What is the best bedding? I’ve tested thousands of bedding products, assessing everything from fabric strength and how well the materials resist pilling to if they shrink in the wash. We also work with thousands of consumer testers who offer their feedback on comfort, support, temperature regulation, and more. And all this testing data helps me answer this question once and for all.
The core pieces of a comfortable bed are a well-fitting sheet set, a supportive pillow, and a comforter. This guide focuses on those three essentials. But because everyone has different sleep preferences, here is the best bedding for the most common types of sleepers:
Best overall bedding:
- Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
- Soft and durable cotton sheets that aren't too silky
- Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
- Adjustable pillow that's both supportive and plush, great for all sleeping positions
- The Company Store Legends Hotel Premium Alberta Down Comforter
- Hotel-luxury down that's sold in four warmth options
- California Design Den 400 Thread Count
- Top-tested 100% cotton sheets for just $50
- REST Evercool Cooling Comforter
- Moisture wicking and temperature regulating for a cooler sleep
Best Deal
Best bedding for a comfy, hotel-quality bed:
Pros
- Soft sateen that isn't slippery with a substantial feel
- Durable material with good fabric strength scores and minimal shrinkage after laundering
- Helpful features like labels for "short" and "long" sides
Cons
- Some testers reported they felt a bit hot in summer months
I've personally slept on these Brooklinen sheets for nearly a decade, and they're consistently my top recommendation because they strike a great balance between soft and crisp. The brand recently upgraded this 100% cotton sateen sheet set with a softer feel and higher thread count.
Who it's best for
Hotel-luxury fans who want soft, cotton sheets that aren't too slippery
Why these cotton sateen sheets stand out
Brooklinen was one of the first brands to include labels for the "short" and "long" sides on the fitted sheet for easy bed-making. I also love the envelope closures on the pillowcases for a clean look on the bed.
The material held up in Lab tests. It earned high scores for its fabric strength and withstood repeated laundering well. The material didn't pill easily either.
What our testers said
Testers said the material felt impressively soft without feeling slippery. We've had dozens of consumer testers sleep on these sheets, and they gave the set high scores for appearance, comfort, softness, and being easy to put on the bed. One consumer tester shared, "I like that the sheets feel very soft to the touch, yet [I] feel that they are made with a quality material that has not pilled or shown major signs of wear and tear."
Some testers found the sateen material to sleep a bit hot. While I like using these sheets year-round, some hot sleepers found them too warm for summer use. The good news is the brand offers a flexible 365-day return policy if you find the sheets don't live up to your expectations.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Brooklinen Sheets
Pros
- Innovative hybrid blend for a soft and supportive feel
- Adjustable height great for all sleeping positions
- Over 10 testers said it was both comfortable and supportive
Cons
- It can be messy to adjust the fill
I use this pillow nearly every night because it's a great mix between supportive and plush, perfectly cradling my head and shoulders when sleeping on my side. The fill is a blend of memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters that offers good support while still feeling fluffy.
Who it's best for
Side, back, and stomach sleepers can benefit from this pillow's adjustable design. It is a great balance between plush and supportive.
Why this is our best overall pillow
With a standout performance in both Textiles Lab and at-home tests, Coop Home Goods' pillow has an entirely adjustable fill that also comes with extra stuffing to create your own personalized height.
The entire pillow is machine washable, which usually isn't the case with foam, and it washed well in our evaluations. The foam bounced back to shape in our Lab's pressure tests, so you can expect it to keep its shape even after your head has been lying on it all night. Just note that the outer cover (which is a blend of rayon and polyester) pills over time.
What our testers said:
Over 10 different testers called it comfortable and supportive, and many even said that it improved their overall sleep quality. One described the cradling comfort by saying, "It wraps around my head, and I sink into it." Another told us, "When I go to bed, I look forward to sleeping on it as I know I will have a restful night's sleep."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Coop Original Pillow
Pros
- Available in four warmth levels with an impressive range of color options
- Filled with Responsible Down Standard certified down
- Testers liked its sleek appearance and that the fill stayed put
Cons
- Heavier weights are more expensive
Who it's best for
Luxury shoppers who want a hotel-experience at home with ultimate fluffiness
Why this comforter is extra plush and luxurious
This The Company Store comforter aced our quality inspections in the Lab, with no flaws or defects to report. This pick uses box stitching to help keep the fill evenly distributed.
It's filled with plush Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified down and is wrapped in a luxurious cotton sateen outer cover with a 500-550 fill power. It's sold in four warmth levels: Light, Medium, Extra, and Ultra, to suit all types of sleepers. Note that the heavier weights are more expensive.
What our testers said
Testers noted how the fill doesn't shift around or shed, and said it felt warm and comfortable to sleep under. "I love the softness of the down and the crispiness of the fabric," shared one tester who liked that they had multiple color options to choose from. Another tester said, "The comforter has a very sleek appearance."Best budget bedding that doesn’t sacrifice quality:
Pros
- Affordable price point that doesn't sacrifice quality
- Pill-resistant material
- Testers loved the soft feel and called them comfortable
Cons
- Less substantial fabric compared to other sheets
When I tested these sheets, I thought they'd cost significantly more—they felt soft without feeling too slippery. I especially loved the trendy range of color options to find one that matched my bedroom decor perfectly.
Who it's best for
Budget shoppers who still want high-quality, 100% cotton sheets
Why this cotton sheet set is a great value
Most 100% cotton sheet sets cost well over $100, but this one has an unbeatable price and performed exceptionally well in our tests—it’s even a Good Housekeeping Seal holder. In addition to being loved by our at-home consumer testers, I'm also a personal fan of these sheets. I regularly choose this buttery soft set over pricier sheets—it has even outperformed sheets five times the price.
The fabric proved pill-resistant in our tests, with no signs of wear after 1,000 cycles on our abrasion tester. The fabric also washed well in warm water with minimal shrinkage, but it received only average fabric strength scores.
What our testers said
Consumer testers liked the feel and look of these sheets. They’re available in 36 different colors and patterns, so there is something for everyone. One tester told us, "The sheets are very comfortable and crisp (without being overly crisp to the point of being stiff)." Another added, "These were very well made and comfortable sheets and seemed substantial." Some testers found them less luxurious than other styles, but liked having a huge range of colors and patterns to choose from.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: California Design Den Sheets
Pros
- Great value for a two-pillow set
- Washed and dried great in our Lab tests
- Testers liked that the fill maintained its shape and didn't clump
Cons
- Too thin for some side sleepers
Who it's best for
Plush bedding fans who want a pillow that's easy to launder and keep fresh
Why this down alternative pillow stands out
This Beckham Hotel pillow outperformed styles three times the price in our tests. It uses a fluffy polyester fill with a 100% cotton outer cover for a softer and more luxurious feel and it’s designed with chic piping. Best of all, it's machine-washable for easy care.
The pillow excelled in every Lab test: It maintained its shape without flattening out in pressure tests and had a perfect fit in a Standard-size pillowcase. It also showed minimal shrinkage after multiple washes, though we did notice some loose threads and puckering.
What our testers said
"The down alternative filling is so fluffy and cushiony, yet still supportive," shared one of our consumer testers who rotates between her side and back. Others appreciated that the fill stayed even without clumping or feeling lumpy. Some side sleepers said it was too flat to offer sufficient support. It's best suited to side sleepers with smaller frames, back, and stomach sleepers.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow
Pros
- Buttery soft outer cover
- Sold in a wide range of color options
- Testers said the thickness was "just right"
Cons
- Synthetic cover felt hot, according to some testers
Who it's best for
Shoppers looking for a great deal on a plush, easy-to-launder comforter
Why this comforter is a top-notch value
Most comforters (even ones with synthetic fill) are over $100, but this Bedsure pick is around $30 for a Queen. It uses synthetic fibers for the fill and the outer cover, so it's not quite as luxurious as other picks, but it costs a fraction of the price of a traditional down comforter and still feels plush and cozy. The comforter is machine washable and dryer safe for convenient laundering at home.
Analysts liked the box-stitch construction that helps keep the fill evenly distributed. When my team evaluated it in the Lab, we noted that the outer shell felt "buttery soft" and were impressed by how quiet it was with no crinkling noises. It comes in 20 different colors including bright white, pinks, blues, and more, so you don't technically need to use a duvet cover (but it still features corner loops for easy attachment if you want to use one).
What our testers said
Consumer testers appreciated the lightweight design that still felt cozy and warm. A tester described the comforter as "just the right thickness." Another tester shared, "It was very comfortable to sleep with," adding, "The comforter did not bunch up at all." I've slept with this comforter plenty of times and love the weight.
Synthetic material is easy to care for, but it can sleep hot. A few hot sleepers found this pick too warm.
Best cooling bedding for hot sleepers
Pros
- Temperature-regulating technology combined with moisture wicking material
- Sturdy elastic on the fitted sheet to keep it in place
- Held up perfectly to our laundering tests
Cons
- Pilled a bit in our abrasion tests
Who it's best for
Either hot sleepers or anyone who sleeps in a warm environment and wants their sheets to feel soft while also wicking away moisture
Why these cooling sheets stand out
While cotton is a popular sheet material, it isn't great for sweaty sleepers because it holds onto sweat. This set from Slumber Cloud is instead made with an innovative blend of Tencel lyocell and viscose, which wicks away moisture while also feeling silky smooth and soft. The viscose fibers are also infused with Outlast technology to absorb and release heat, keeping you at a more stable body temperature.
These sheets aced our Lab's wash tests: They didn't shrink at all after five wash and dry cycles. They also wicked away moisture easily, but pilled a bit in our abrasion tests.
What our testers said
Eight different testers (who all identify as hot sleepers) said these sheets helped them sleep cooler and they would continue using them. "At night, I tend to overheat when I use my comforter, fitted sheet, or a throw blanket, however these sheets kept me cool and comfortable all-night long," shared one tester. Multiple testers commented on the sturdy elastic on the fitted sheet that helped keep it in place. One tester even said, "These are possibly the best sheets I've ever slept on. They feel like expensive hotel sheets as you slide in!"
Pros
- Testers praised its supportive feel that helped alleviate neck strain
- Latex core doesn't trap heat like memory foam
- Innovative elastic grid for a breathable feel that's extra supportive
Cons
- Cover must be laid flat to dry
Who it's best for
Sleepers who want a supportive pillow that won't trap heat and will instead feel breathable
How this pillow combines support with breathability
Purple's unique elastic grid material paired with the Talalay latex core creates a one-of-a-kind supportive feel that’s incredibly breathable for hot sleepers because the latex core doesn't trap heat like memory foam does. The pillow is pricey but it comes in three heights to fit a range of body types and sleep positions.
The supportive fill maintained its shape to provide excellent neck support. The cover washed well, but is not dryer safe. The cover, which includes the brand's signature grid material, looked good as new with minimal shrinkage after multiple washes. Just remember: The cover must be laid flat to dry.
What our testers said
Hot sleepers praised its support and breathability. They unanimously agreed that it stayed cool all night long. “Other pillows tend to make me overheat even on the coldest nights but this pillow kept me consistently cool,” shared one tester.
One consumer tester described the texture as "very soft and supportive." Others, including some with chronic pain, called it their new go-to pillow: "I don't think there is such a thing as a magic pillow for back pain, but this one was supportive while also being really soft," said one.
Pros
- Immediate icy feel
- Wicked away moisture quickly in our Lab tests
- All hot-sleeper testers said it helped them sleep cooler
Cons
- The material is a bit slippery, so it may bunch in a duvet cover
Who it's best for
Sweaty sleepers searching for a moisture wicking option that's still cozy
Why this cooling comforter actually works
With a cool-to-the-touch fabric that you have to feel to believe, Rest's cooling comforter is both icy feeling and wicks away moisture. It features a super smooth nylon cover and the fill is a blend of a fluffy polyester and Tencel lyocell, making it more lightweight than traditional comforters. It easily wicked away moisture in our Lab tests, meaning it can help keep sweaty sleepers dry. Beyond that, it washed well without signs of wear.
It's designed to be used without a duvet cover, but it comes in six different colors and is reversible to give you plenty of options for your bed.
What our testers said
All our testers who identified as hot sleepers gave it perfect scores for temperature regulation. "As a hot sleeper, I really appreciate this comforter's cooling effects, especially during the summer," one explained. "I'm using the cooling comforter with a memory foam mattress topper and pillow, and I would definitely be overheating without it." Another pointed out that it gave the secure feeling of sleeping with a cover without sacrificing temperature.
Testers liked the silky smooth feel, but some found it a bit slippery. Because of its silky feel and cooling capabilities, it's best to use this pick without a duvet cover. Some testers found the slippery material would bunch up inside a duvet cover.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter
How we test bedding
The fiber scientists and engineers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test hundreds of bedding items each year. Each one gets put through the wringer in our Lab using specialized equipment to determine performance and durability, plus we send the bedding to the homes of our consumer testers who share feedback on aspects like ease of use, comfort, softness, support, and more. Here are more details about how we test some of the top bedding categories:
Sheets
When we test sheets in the Lab, we assess fabric strength (using a machine called an Instron, pictured here), pilling resistance, wrinkle resistance, shrinkage and appearance after laundering, and more. Consumer testers weigh in with ratings on factors like softness, comfort, and temperature regulation.
Comforters
Our bedding pros first perform a quality inspection on the duvet inserts and comforters, checking everything from whether the stitching is secure to whether the outer fabric is quiet. We also determine if the fill sheds and whether there are any odors upon opening. Consumer testers then use the comforters for several weeks before reporting back on aspects like the temperature, noise level, fill shifting, ease of attaching a duvet cover, and more.
Pillows
Our product analysts measure shape retention in the Textiles Lab by timing how quickly the pillows return to their original shape after weights are applied for an extended period (pictured here), which mimics your head sleeping on it overnight. We also assess how easy the pillows are to clean (some are not even washable!) and whether they actually hold up to laundering. On top of that, we check whether they properly fit into a pillowcase.
At the same time, real consumers try out the pillows during sleep testing. These testers are each assigned a specific pillow based on a screening survey to make sure they get a proper match for their sleep style, then they sleep on it for several weeks before providing feedback. The pillows are scored on comfort, support, temperature regulation, and more, plus testers have the opportunity to answer open-ended questions about their experiences.
How to choose bedding
To build your best bed, you'll need products that suit your specific needs and preferences. The three main products you’ll need is a quality pillow, sheet set, and comforter.
Start with your sleep needs.
Here are the most common sleep types and what works best for them:
- Hot sleepers: For sheets, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton percale and linen or moisture-wicking materials like lyocell. You can also look for reputable cooling technologies like Outlast and 37.5. For pillows, avoid memory foam without cooling features built in because it can trap heat.
- Cold sleepers: Heavyweight comforters, flannel sheets, and heated blankets can all help warm up a chilly sleeper. Stay away from cooling bedding, which can have an icy feel.
- Luxury shoppers: For five-star luxury at home, look for decadent materials like cotton sateen sheets, down comforters, and stylish quilts.
- Budget shoppers: For more affordable options, choose microfiber sheets and down alternative pillows.
How to buy sheets
Instead of focusing on the thread count, consider the fiber and weave:
- Check the fiber content. Sheets that are 100% cotton are the most popular because they're soft, strong, and comfortable to lie on. Polyester or cotton-polyester blends are often more durable and less expensive, but they don’t feel as natural. You can also choose from novelty fibers (like lyocell or linen) for a unique feel.
- Choose the construction. Your main choices are percale (a basic, grid-like weave that feels light and crisp) or sateen (a satin weave that feels smooth). You can also opt for flannel for more warmth, microfiber that feels buttery smooth, or jersey that’s stretchy and feels more like a T-shirt.
How to buy pillows
Besides choosing the type of fill you prefer—from down and down alternative to memory foam and latex—also consider your sleep position and body type when you shop for pillows. The ultimate goal is to have your head, neck, and spine properly aligned with no tilting in any direction. Here's how to pick which pillow is right for you:
- Sleep position: Pillows for side sleepers should be thick and firm, while pillows for stomach sleepers should be softer and thinner. Pillows for back sleepers (or for those who switch positions) can fall somewhere in between.
- Body type: People with larger frames need a taller and firmer pillow, while smaller folks should opt for something lower and flatter. Medium frames will fall somewhere in between.
How to buy comforters
The most important decision to make is whether you prefer down or down alternative. Here are the main things to keep in mind for each:
- Down, which comes from ducks or geese, are fluffy clusters that trap in air for better warmth. Check the fill power when you shop; it tells you how much space the clusters take up and how well they can insulate. For a warm and toasty comforter, look for a fill power over 600.
- Down alternatives are typically synthetic fibers, so they’re better for allergy sufferers and are usually less expensive and easier to clean. With the right construction, synthetic down can still feel fluffy and cozy.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Textiles Lab in the Good Housekeeping Institute. For over seven years, she has been extensively testing all bedding categories, including mattresses, sheets, pillows, comforters, and more. Seymour is regularly called upon as a bedding expert in the media and can be seen sharing bedding advice on national TV segments, newspaper columns, podcasts, and more.
Bedding is extensively evaluated on a regular basis, both in the Textiles Lab and in the homes of hundreds of sleep testers. In recent years, testing has been performed by Grace Wu and Amanda Constantine.
