Not Walmart: Consumer Reports Gave These Two Stores Higher Scores For Bath Towels In 2026

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Walmart is known for its budget-friendly home essentials, but if you're searching for affordable bath towels, there are better places to buy them, according to Consumer Reports. Professional testers ranked the contenders based on several key criteria, including the towels' softness, how quickly they air-dried after use, and how much they shrank after washing. While the all-around winner was Quince's Organic Turkish Waffle Bath Towel, it's one of the priciest at $95 and building a matching set can be a real deal-breaker.

Luckily, there are affordable 100% cotton alternatives that get the job done at a fraction of the price. While Walmart has budget-friendly choices, Amazon and IKEA showed to have a better product that's ideal for whether you're inundated with signs it's time to replace your old and worn-out towels or you're simply looking for an aesthetic change. Amazon Basics Quick Dry Oversize Bath Towel scored top marks on softness and dry time. Indeed, shoppers have raved about them being ultra plush, absorbent, and quick-drying. While they're only available in four hues, the classic white will match any space while the chic seafoam green is perfect for the more daring. What's more, a two-pack costs just $18.85, and there are matching hand towels and washcloths to easily create sets.

If you'd prefer a wider variety of colors, IKEA's VÅGSJÖN bath towels received the same score as Amazon's but come in a multitude of fun shades, like yellow and pink. What's more, the $6.99 price point is a steal, although they aren't as soft as Amazon's. They do however boast a mixed texture design that prioritizes absorption while built-in hanging loops scored bonus points with shoppers.

Choosing the best material for your bathroom towels is largely a matter of preference, but 100% cotton designs, like Amazon Basics' bath towels and IKEA's VÅGSJÖN towels, tend to be a top choice. Not only is cotton highly absorbent but it also delivers a soft, fluffy feel that other textiles simply can't replicate. That being said, there is a downside to consider: shrinkage. 

Regardless of price point, all of the pure cotton towels tested by Consumer Reports exhibited some level of shrinking after being washed and dried 10 times. The minimal change in size didn't impact performance, but if avoiding shrinkage is a major priority for you, a cotton-polyester blend will be a better option. Walmart's Mainstays Performance Cotton Bath Towel scored a few points lower than Amazon and IKEA's in the outlet's overall ranking, but it was the only one on the list which stayed closest to its original size.

How many bath towels you really need in your home will also depend on your particular lifestyle, but it's usually good to aim for two full sets for every person who lives in the house. Additionally, if you expect to host occasional guests, allocate an extra set for visitors' use. If, on the other hand, you have family and friends staying over regularly, consider prepping dedicated towels for each of them.