When it comes to luxury bedding, down duvets are in a league of their own. They’re light yet warm, breathable yet cozy, and crafted from natural materials that adapt beautifully to your body. But within the world of down, there’s one question many shoppers ask: what’s the difference between goose down and duck down — and which one makes the better duvet?
The short answer? While both types of down can provide warmth and softness, goose down — especially premium white goose down from regions like Poland and Canada — is widely considered superior to duck down in terms of quality, longevity, and comfort. The only exception is the ultra-rare eiderdown, which is a duck down in a category all on its own.
Let’s break down the differences so you can choose with confidence.
What Is Down, Exactly?
Down is not the same as feathers. It comes from the fluffy underlayer beneath the bird’s outer feathers, found mostly on the chest and belly. These tiny clusters are what keep ducks and geese warm in cold climates. Unlike feathers, down has no quill, which is why it feels incredibly soft and cloud-like.
When used in duvets, down creates thousands of tiny air pockets that trap heat while still allowing breathability. This natural insulation is what makes down so prized in luxury bedding — it’s light, lofty, and able to regulate body temperature better than any synthetic fill.
Goose Down vs. Duck Down: The Core Differences
While both goose and duck down are natural insulators, they’re not identical. Their differences come down to:
- Cluster size and loft
- Fill power
- Durability
- Odor potential
- Availability and price
Here’s how they stack up.
1. Cluster Size and Loft
Goose down clusters are significantly larger than duck down clusters. Why does this matter? Larger clusters mean better insulation and loft (that fluffy, airy quality that makes a duvet feel like it’s floating above you).
Because geese are bigger birds, their down naturally forms larger clusters that trap more air. This makes goose down duvets warmer, lighter, and more breathable. Not to mention, more resilient over time.
Duck down clusters, on the other hand, are smaller. While they can still provide warmth, they often require more fill to achieve the same insulating effect. This can result in a heavier, less lofty duvet.
2. Fill Power: The Measure of Quality
Fill power (or loft) is the industry’s key measure of down quality. It refers to the volume that one ounce of down can fill, measured in cubic inches. The higher the fill power, the larger and stronger the down clusters, and the more warmth and loft they provide without added weight.
- High-quality goose down often measures between 600 and 900 fill power. The finest white goose down from Poland and Canada can reach above 800 — a level that feels incredibly airy yet warm.
- Duck down usually tops out around 500–600 fill power. While serviceable, it rarely achieves the exceptional loft or insulating efficiency of goose down.
This is one of the clearest markers that goose down is the better choice for luxury duvets.
3. Durability and Longevity
A high-quality goose down duvet can last 10–20 years, or even longer, with proper care. The resilience of the larger clusters allows the duvet to spring back to its original loft, night after night.
Duck down duvets tend to break down more quickly. Smaller clusters collapse faster, meaning the duvet loses its loft and insulating power sooner. While duck down duvets may last 5–10 years, they rarely match the lifespan of premium goose down products.
4. Odor Potential
This is a factor many people don’t think about — until it becomes a problem. Because ducks feed on a more varied diet that can include fish and aquatic plants, their down is more prone to developing noticeable odors.
Geese, in contrast, are primarily vegetarian grazers, which makes their down much less likely to retain smells. When you invest in goose down, you’re less likely to experience lingering, unpleasant scents in your bedding.
5. Availability and Price
Duck down is more widely available because ducks are raised primarily for food across the globe. This makes duck down duvets less expensive.
Goose down, especially white goose down from Poland and Canada, is far rarer. Fewer geese are raised, and only the finest down clusters are harvested for bedding. As a result, goose down duvets are more expensive — but they’re also a true investment in luxury, quality, and long-term comfort.
Regional Differences in Goose Down
Not all goose down is created equal. Some regions are particularly renowned for producing exceptional quality.
- Polish Goose Down: Widely regarded as among the best in the world. The cold climate in Poland encourages geese to grow large, resilient clusters of down. The result is down with outstanding loft, softness, and durability.
- Canadian Goose Down: Another top choice, known for purity, resilience, and strict quality standards. Canadian goose down is especially prized for its warmth and consistency.
- Chinese Goose Down: While more widely available, it often does not reach the same fill power or longevity as Polish or Canadian goose down.
For customers looking for the very best, Polish and Canadian white goose down are the gold standards.
The Exception: Eiderdown
It wouldn’t be fair to compare goose down and duck down without mentioning eiderdown, the rarest and most luxurious down in the world. Harvested sustainably by hand from the nests of wild eider ducks in Iceland and parts of Canada, eiderdown has a unique clingy quality that allows clusters to interlock, creating insulation unlike anything else.
Eiderdown duvets are extraordinarily warm, lightweight, and long-lasting — and they often cost several times more than even the finest goose down. For most people, goose down remains the most practical and accessible luxury option, but eiderdown is truly in a category of its own.
How Goose and Duck Down Perform in Duvets
To summarize:
| Feature | Goose Down | Duck Down |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster Size | Large, airy | Smaller |
| Fill Power | 600–900+ | 400–600 |
| Durability | 10–20+ years | 5–10 years |
| Odor Potential | Low | Higher |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Luxury Appeal | Exceptional | Moderate |
When comfort, longevity, and investment value are priorities, goose down clearly outshines duck down.
When Duck Down Might Be an Option
While goose down is the superior choice, duck down isn’t without merit. It can be a budget-friendly option for guest rooms, children’s bedding, or those who want a natural fill at a lower cost. For sleepers who don’t need maximum loft or long lifespan, duck down duvets can provide adequate warmth.
But for those who want the true luxury sleep experience, goose down is worth the investment.
Why Goose Down Duvets Are Worth It
If you’re considering upgrading your duvet, here’s why goose down is the smarter choice:
- Superior Comfort: Larger clusters and higher loft create an unmatched sleeping experience.
- Long-Term Value: While more expensive upfront, a goose down duvet lasts longer, making it a better investment over time.
- Better Sleep Quality: Lightweight, breathable warmth helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Fewer Issues: Less odor and better resilience mean your duvet stays fresh and comfortable for years.
Choosing the Right Goose Down Duvet
If you’ve decided goose down is right for you, here are a few factors to consider when shopping:
- Fill Power: Look for at least 650 for high quality; 800+ is ultra-luxury.
- Origin: Polish and Canadian goose down are highly recommended for the best quality.
- Construction: Baffle box construction helps maximize loft and prevents shifting.
- Certifications: Labels like Downmark® indicate quality and ethical sourcing.
In Summary
When comparing goose down to duck down, goose down comes out on top in virtually every way: loft, warmth, durability, and overall sleep experience. While duck down may be less expensive, it simply can’t match the luxury and longevity of goose down.
For those who want a duvet that feels weightless yet warm, stands the test of time, and delivers night after night of restful sleep, Polish and Canadian white goose down are the gold standard.
And while eiderdown remains the ultimate rarity, goose down offers the perfect balance of accessibility and indulgence for anyone seeking truly luxurious sleep.