Goose vs. Duck Down (2025 Expert Guide): Understanding the Real Differences

When people think about down-filled bedding, the first image that comes to mind is softness, warmth, and cloud-like comfort. But one of the most common questions is:

“Is goose down better than duck down?”

The truth is more nuanced. Both are high-performing natural insulators, but they differ in cluster size, loft potential, availability, and overall feel. This guide breaks down the real differences — in simple terms — so you can make the best choice for your sleep style and climate.

What Exactly Is Down?

Down is the soft layer of fluffy clusters that lie beneath the outer feathers of waterfowl. Unlike feathers, down clusters have no quills. Instead, they form a three-dimensional structure that:

• Traps warm air

• Regulates body temperature

• Provides light, breathable insulation

Goose down and duck down perform this job extremely well — simply with different characteristics.

Goose Down: Larger Clusters & Higher Loft Potential

Geese are larger birds, which naturally leads to larger down clusters. Larger clusters mean more room for air to move through, which is what creates that familiar airy loft.

Goose down is typically associated with:

• Higher loft potential (often 700+ and upward)

• A lighter, airier feel

• Excellent insulation without extra weight

• A more “luxurious” experience

Because goose down is less abundant globally, it is generally considered the more premium option.

Duck Down: Abundant, Comfortable, and Highly Versatile

Duck down clusters are smaller on average, but still offer excellent insulation. Duck down is also more available worldwide, making it a value-forward choice without sacrificing natural warmth.

Duck down often provides:

• A comfortable and cozy level of warmth

• A slightly weightier, grounded feel

• Impressive performance at a more accessible price

• Strong insulation for moderate climates

For many sleepers, duck down strikes the perfect balance between comfort and value.

A Note on Scent

Because ducks tend to have a more varied diet, duck down has the potential for a natural scent if not properly washed. However, Maholi Inc. follows strict North American washing and sterilization standards across all brands, which ensures down of any type — goose or duck — is clean, pure, and low in odor.

Understanding Fill Power (Loft)

Fill power measures how much space one ounce of down occupies when fully fluffed.
Higher fill power = more air trapped = more insulation.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• 600–700 fill power: Great for all-season comfort

• 700–800 fill power: Warmer, fluffier, premium feel

• 800+ fill power: Exceptional loft and insulation with very little weight

Goose down has the potential to reach higher fill powers, but duck down can still deliver outstanding warmth depending on processing, cleanliness, and construction.

Warmth: It’s More Than Goose vs Duck

While species plays a role in loft potential, warmth is determined by multiple factors, including:

• Fill power

• Fill weight

• Baffle box construction

• Shell material (cotton percale vs sateen, etc.)

• Whether the duvet is summer, all-season, or winter weight

A high-fill-power duck down duvet can easily outperform a low-fill-power goose down duvet.
Likewise, a well-constructed all-season goose down duvet can be warmer than an overfilled feather blend.

It’s all about finding the right combination.

The Down Types Offered Across Maholi Inc.’s Brands

One of Maholi Inc.’s strengths is offering a full spectrum of down-filled bedding options across four specialized brands. This ensures every sleeper — from value-conscious to ultra-luxury — can find the perfect match.

Maholi

Our most elevated brand featuring down of exceptional loft and clarity.

• Canadian Hutterite White Goose Down (900+ loft)

These are some of the finest downs available worldwide, offering superior loft and a weightless feel.

Royal Elite

This brand carries the broadest assortment of down-filled products, including:

• Canadian Hutterite White Goose Down Duvet (725-850+ loft)

• Canadian Hutterite White Down Duvet (700-800+ loft)

• Hungarian White Goose Down Duvet (650-850+ loft)

• Hungarian White Down Duvet (650-800+ loft)
  
  

• European Down Duvet (650-800+ loft)

• Harmony White Goose Down Dual Zone Duvet
  

• Superior White Goose Down Duvet
  

• Lac Brome White Down Duvet
  
  
• White Goose Down Duvet
  
  
• White Duck Down Duvet
  

• Goose Down & Feather Duvet

• Down & Feather Duvet

Royal Elite offers the largest range of fill powers, warmth levels, and price points.

Ambassador

Designed to offer incredible value without compromising quality, Ambassador features:

• Upgraded fill of the White Feather & Down blends

• Upgraded fill of the White Goose Feather & Down Duvet

• All-season down and feather combinations

• True competitive positioning for Canadian consumers

Yorklinen

Yorklinen focuses on modern, eco-forward materials and responsible sourcing. This brand features:

• Sustainable Hutterite Down Duvet

• Eco-friendly Recycled European Down Duvet and Flower Down Duvet options

• OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified shell fabrics

• Ideal choices for sensitive sleepers or hot sleepers

So… Which One Should You Choose?

It depends entirely on your preference:

Choose Goose Down if you prefer:

• Higher loft

• A lighter, airier feel

• Premium warmth

• A more cloud-like sleep experience

Choose Duck Down if you prefer:

• A cozy, slightly weightier feel

• Great value

• Reliable warmth for most seasons

• A naturally grounded sleeping experience

Or choose a Feather & Down blend if you prefer:

• More structure

• Extra durability

• A supportive, breathable feel

Each type of down has its benefits — and the right one is simply the one that matches your sleeping style, warmth needs, and budget.

Final Thoughts

Goose down and duck down both offer exceptional comfort, just in slightly different ways. Goose down is known for its natural loftiness and premium feel, while duck down provides outstanding warmth and value. Across Maholi Inc.’s four brands — Maholi, Royal Elite, Ambassador, and Yorklinen — you’ll find a full spectrum of down types, fill powers, and constructions tailored for every Canadian climate and every sleeper.

When you choose a down-filled product from any of our brands, you’re choosing expertise refined over 30 years, responsible sourcing, and the comfort of premium materials crafted with care.