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7 Best Paper Towels of 2024

Updated
Seven paper towel recommendations to absorb any spill.

With such a wide range of paper towels on the market, it can be disheartening that few can hold water and clean up typical messes around the house. If you are looking for a new brand or product to try, we can help.

We’ve spent hours researching the most absorbent and eco-friendly options available. Whether you use paper towels in the kitchen or bathroom, these seven best paper towels are the most effective you’ll find.

What makes them so unique? More powerful? Well, we ensured to choose only the best by investigating each product’s paper type, ply, and absorbency.

Keep reading to find a new paper towel to test out.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Brawny Tear-A-Square Paper Towels
Best Budget Paper Towels
Brawny Tear-A-Square Paper Towels
  • One roll goes a long way
  • Three sheet size
  • Strong & durable
Product Image of the Viva Signature Cloth Paper Towels
Softest Paper Towels
Viva Signature Cloth Paper Towels
  • Soft but durable
  • Cloth texture
  • Sourced sustainably
Product Image of the Presto! Flex-a-Size Paper Towels
Best Flexible Sizing
Presto! Flex-a-Size Paper Towels
  • 75% more absorbent
  • Small sheets for more precise sizing
  • Comes in 12 huge rolls
Product Image of the EcoLifestyle Bamboo Paper Towels
Best Eco-Friendly Paper Towels
EcoLifestyle Bamboo Paper Towels
  • Made from sustainable materials
  • Can be washed up to 100 times
  • Heavy-duty towels
Product Image of the Bounty Select-a-Size Paper Towels
Most Absorbent
Bounty Select-a-Size Paper Towels
  • Trap & lock technology
  • Flexible sizing
  • Comes as large towels
Product Image of the Electy Reusable Bamboo Towels
Best Reusable Paper Towels
Electy Reusable Bamboo Towels
  • Includes 2 mesh washing bags
  • Made from bamboo
  • Organic & biodegradable
Product Image of the 365 Whole Food Market Towels
Best Recycled Paper Towels
365 Whole Food Market Towels
  • Made without fragrances or dyes
  • 100 percent recycled paper
  • Super affordable

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of providing trustworthy and reliable information for our readers. Our experts have conducted a comprehensive analysis to review and compare the best paper towels available in the market. By using a hands-on approach, we evaluate products from a user’s perspective and share quantitative measurements of their performance. We measure and rank paper towels based on key decision-making factors, such as absorbency, strength, softness, and eco-friendliness. Our team analyzes design choices and their effects on user experience to help you make an informed choice. We provide first-hand evidence and insights, so you can trust our recommendations on the top-performing paper towels that set them apart from their competitors.



The Best Paper Towels of 2024

To make this list of the seven best paper towels on the market, we spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and how each product is designed. This includes the paper type, absorbency, and extra features. We’re confident that we’ve narrowed it down to the top seven.

Are you ready to meet them? Let’s go.

Brawny Tear-A-Square Paper Towels

Best Budget Paper Towels

If you go through paper towels quickly, you probably want something budget-friendly. That way, your wallet can keep up with the many sheets you use.

Well, the Brawny Tear-A-Square paper towels are very affordable. Their cost per sheet is far less than what other competitors offer.

These paper towels are 2-ply premium white paper towels. Each roll comes with 256 quarter sheets, so it should last a long time before you need to switch to a new roll. You can even use the smaller sheet option for smaller tasks, allowing your roll to last longer.

Something To Note

This is budget-friendly when you look at the cost per sheet, but it is a higher upfront cost initially.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly; small cost per sheet.
  • Three sheet size options.
  • Strong, absorbent, and durable 2-ply paper.
  • One roll goes a longer way than other brands.

Cons

  • Too scratchy to be used as napkins.
  • The perforations to make a quarter sheet are hard to see and difficult to tear.

Product Specs

Number of sheets Up to 256 sheets per roll (quarter sheets)
Absorbency Very absorbent
Paper type 2-ply premium paper
Eco-friendly No
Other features You can make full sheets, half sheets, or quarter sheets

Our Ratings

Absorbency
5 / 5
Softness
2 / 5
Value for Money
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
1 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

User Experience

For someone who uses a lot of paper towels, this product has been a pleasant surprise. The tear-a-square option is perfect for smaller messes, and my family loves the size options and absorbency. However, the perforation isn't always consistent, making it difficult to tear at times. I have noticed that these last longer and are more cost-effective than competitor brands. While I do prefer environmentally friendly products, I would consider purchasing these again if Brawny incorporated recycled materials.

Viva Signature Cloth TaskSize Paper Towels

Softest Paper Towels

Of course, you’ll use paper towels to clean up spills, dust, and counters. But you’ll also likely use them as napkins, to wipe your little one’s face, or to dry your hands after washing dishes. Check out the Viva Signature Cloth TaskSize paper towels for something nice and soft.

These are called “Signature Cloth” because they have a super soft cloth-like texture. Not only is this gentle on sensitive skin, but it’s more durable and practical for cleaning up messes.

The cloth texture is tough on messes and super durable. In fact, you can rinse, wring and reuse these a second time. We think they’re slightly more eco-conscious than other standard paper-type towels.

Pros

  • Double the durability of leading brands.
  • Soft, even on sensitive skin and faces.
  • Great for deep cleaning and scrubbing.
  • Sourced from responsibly managed forests.
  • You can wring it out and reuse.

Cons

  • They are hard to tear off the roll; may require two hands.
  • Pricey.

Product Specs

Number of sheets 1716
Absorbency Two absorbent layers
Paper type Responsibly sourced paper that can be reused one more time
Eco-friendly Somewhat
Other features They can be rinsed and reused, soft on skin

Our Ratings

Absorbency
5 / 5
Softness
5 / 5
Value for Money
3 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've been using these paper towels for several years now and they have become my go-to choice. These products are super absorbent and work very much like a cloth, allowing me to rinse and reuse them without tearing. They are great for tougher jobs, as they don't fall apart easily and can absorb more liquid than other brands. However, I've noticed that they're not as heavy as they used to be, but they still remain strong and sturdy. These paper towels are a bit on the pricey side, but their durability and absorbency make them worth the investment.

Presto! Flex-a-Size Paper Towels

Best Flexible Sizing

Are you looking for something with flexible sizing? The Presto! Flex-a-Size paper towels are right up your street.

The sheets are six inches wide compared to the standard 10.4 inches. This allows you to be more precise with exactly how much you want to use at a time. Overall, this will make the roll last much longer since you’re not wasting paper towels.

Besides that, the sheets are 75 percent more absorbent than other leading brands. So you can be confident that these towels will absorb all kinds of heavy messes.

This particular pack comes with 12 huge rolls, which is a total of 1,896 sheets. So you won’t need to go to the store for more for a long time!

Pros

  • 75 percent more absorbent than other brands.
  • Smaller sheets so you can use the precise amount.
  • The whole roll lasts three times longer than standard sizing.
  • Designed for tough messes.

Cons

  • They are pretty expensive.
  • Some customers found the sheets to be a little thin.

Product Specs

Number of sheets 1896
Absorbency 75 percent more absorbent than the leading 1-ply brand
Paper type 2-ply made with pulp from sustainably managed forest
Eco-friendly Somewhat
Other features Smaller sheet sizes for flexible use

Our Ratings

Absorbency
5 / 5
Softness
3 / 5
Value for Money
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
2 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

I recently tried these paper towels and found them to be thick, absorbent, and a great alternative to popular name brands. The smaller, perforated sheets are perfect for tackling various messes, and they hold up well without disintegrating or leaving lint behind. Although they may not be the softest or plushiest option on the market, they're fantastic for everyday use. The added convenience of having them delivered to my door makes these paper towels a reliable and cost-effective choice.

EcoLifestyle Bamboo Reusable Paper Towels

Best Eco-Friendly Paper Towels

Go green with the EcoLifestyle bamboo reusable paper towels. If you’re not a fan of using a paper towel once and tossing it in the trash, these are for you.

Firstly, they are made from 100 percent organic bamboo, which is already good for the environment. But also, one roll lasts for six months. Yes, six whole months!

How does this work? Well, you can rewash the 40 sheets in cold water — by hand — up to 100 times! Not only does this cut down on paper waste, but it also saves you money over time.

We also love that these are multi-purpose paper towels you can use wet or dry. They’re designed to work well with spills, dusting, or cleaning various surfaces. This includes electronics, windows, and your floors. Lastly, you can also use them as napkins.

Pros

  • Made from sustainable materials.
  • Can be washed up to 100 times.
  • They are heavy-duty and absorbent.
  • They have versatile uses.

Cons

  • They may leave lint behind.
  • Because they can’t be washed in hot water, they are difficult to disinfect.

Product Specs

Number of sheets 40
Absorbency Very absorbent
Paper type Reusable organic bamboo
Eco-friendly Yes
Other features Can be rewashed up to 100 times

Our Ratings

Absorbency
5 / 5
Softness
3 / 5
Value for Money
5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper towels, these reusable bamboo towels might be just what you need. In my experience, they prove to be durable and quite effective in cleaning various surfaces, from countertops to stovetops. However, they do have some limitations, such as a tendency to leave lint behind and not being as sturdy after multiple hand washes. While they may not be as long-lasting as cotton bar rags, they do provide a more sustainable option compared to single-use paper towels.

Bounty Select-a-Size Absorbent Paper Towels

Most Absorbent

No one wants to use paper towels that don’t actually absorb well. When cleaning up your spilled wine, or a glass of your child’s milk, you want to eliminate the mess as quickly as possible. That’s why you need super absorbent sheets like those from Bounty.

These paper towels are twice as absorbent as other leading brands. So now a small sheet acts like a big sheet, meaning you can use less paper waste but clean up more mess.

These sheets use a unique trap and lock technology to absorb and lock the messes. This way, you don’t spread them around your surface.

Pros

  • Extra absorbent with trap and lock technology.
  • Flexible sizing, so you can rip off exactly how much you want to use.
  • It lasts 50 percent longer than standard paper towels.
  • Works for cleaning dishes.

Cons

  • Overpriced, around 3x more than other brands on our list.

Product Specs

Number of sheets 262
Absorbency 2x more absorbent than other leading brands
Paper type 2-ply with trap and lock technology
Eco-friendly No
Other features Flexible sizing

Our Ratings

Absorbency
5 / 5
Softness
3 / 5
Value for Money
3 / 5
Eco-friendliness
2 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

User Experience

Definitely impressed by this product's absorbency and convenient select-a-size feature. From personal experience, these paper towels are strong enough for various cleaning tasks, such as sinks, mirrors, countertops, and walls. On the other hand, some customers have experienced issues with misleading packaging and strange smells.

Electy Reusable Bamboo Paper Towels

Best Reusable Paper Towels

Electy makes it super easy to use their reusable bamboo paper towels. They come with a handy mesh bag so you can put them all together in the wash, and they won’t get lost, stretched out, or tangled up in other items.

The paper towels themselves are sustainably made from bamboo — a renewable source. They are organic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. So even after the 70 washes they can handle, you can rest assured knowing they will break down organically once you discard them.

One roll from Electy can last up to six months, saving you trips to the store and money over time.

We also love that they are soft and gentle. So, if you’re using them as napkins, they will be kind to even the most sensitive skin.

Pros

  • Strong and durable bamboo material.
  • They are versatile; you can use them in any room of the house.
  • Two mesh washing bags are included.
  • You can reuse them up to 70 times, around six months.
  • They biodegrade after 70 uses.
  • Soft enough to use as a baby wipe.

Cons

  • They’re not as absorbent as other brands.
  • They may leave behind dust or lint.

Product Specs

Number of sheets 20
Absorbency Not as absorbent as other brands
Paper type Organic bamboo that can be reused
Eco-friendly Yes
Other features They can be washed 70 times, comes with mesh washing bag

Our Ratings

Absorbency
3 / 5
Softness
5 / 5
Value for Money
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've been using this product for various tasks, and it's been quite handy in reducing waste. These reusable towels are durable and absorbent, making them great for cleaning and prepping food. However, they can be a bit linty and may require a separate basket for storage after detaching from the roll, but overall, they've been a useful addition to my home.

365 Whole Food Market Recycled Paper Towels

Best Recycled Paper Towels

If you don’t want the hassle of reusing reusable paper towels but still want to be eco-conscious, we recommend using recyclable paper towels. Particularly, we recommend the 365 Whole Food Market option.

These paper towels are made from 100 percent recycled paper, 80 percent from post-consumer recycled paper. Overall, this saves trees since it uses pre-existing materials rather than new materials.

Another eco-friendly aspect of these towels is that they are whitened without chlorine. Instead, they use a safe, environmentally progressive whitening process. This cuts down on harsh chemicals in your home.

Pros

  • Made without fragrances or dyes.
  • 100 percent recycled paper.
  • 2-ply paper.
  • Super affordable pricing.

Cons

  • They’re not very absorbent.
  • They’re not soft.

Product Specs

Number of sheets 405
Absorbency Not very absorbent
Paper type 100 percent recycled 2-ply paper
Eco-friendly Yes
Other features Made without fragrances or dyes

Our Ratings

Absorbency
2 / 5
Softness
2 / 5
Value for Money
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Best thing about these paper towels is their eco-friendly nature, being 100% recycled. I found them to be reasonably absorbent and durable, although not as thick as I would have liked. The price point is great, making them a good value for the money spent. I've mainly used them for cleaning countertops, mirrors, and picking up spills in the kitchen. They don't leave fuzz behind like some other brands, but I wouldn't use them on delicate surfaces such as glasses or monitors.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best No. of sheets Absorbency Ply Rating Eco-friendly
Brawny Tear-A-Square Paper Towels Budget Paper Towels 256 High 2-Ply No
Viva Signature Cloth Paper Towels Softest Paper Towels 1716 High 1-Ply Yes
Presto! Flex-a-Size Paper Towels Flexible Sizing 1896 High 2-Ply Yes
EcoLifestyle Bamboo Paper Towels Eco-Friendly Paper Towels 40 High N/A Yes
Bounty Select-a-Size Paper Towels Absorbent 262 High 2-Ply No
Electy Reusable Bamboo Paper Towels Reusable Paper Towels 20 Low N/A Yes
365 Whole Food Market Paper Towels Recycled Paper Towels 405 Low 2-Ply Yes

How To Choose the Best Paper Towels

You may be used to going to the store and grabbing the same old paper towels every time. But what if you want the most from your paper towels? We’ll show you the exact criteria to consider before buying to ensure you get the paper towels of your dreams.

Paper Type

While it’s not always specified, there are various options, including bamboo and recycled paper. You should also check how many layers (ply) the paper towels have to be aware of the absorbency qualities.

Another thing that’s worth checking is how the paper is whitened. If you’re trying to avoid harsh chemicals, try to find something whitened without chlorine bleach.

Absorbency

How absorbent are the paper towels? The manufacturer should state how well it absorbs, but generally, the thicker the paper towel, the better it is. You definitely should be looking at at least 2-ply or more.

Eco-Friendliness

Eco-friendliness is very important to many customers, and thankfully, there are many ways to ensure that you’re getting eco-friendly paper towels.

Firstly, consider if the paper towels are made from recycled paper and if they, too, are recyclable.

Secondly, you can also find reusable paper towels. These are machine washable up to dozens, if not hundreds, of times. So this will definitely cut down on your paper waste.

Value for Money

Sometimes the cheapest paper towels don’t actually end up being the most cost-effective. You should always look at the cost per sheet to make sure you’re getting good value for money.

Also, check how many sheets come with the paper towel roll. You don’t want something you’ll use up in a couple of days!

Preferences

Don’t neglect your personal preferences. You may want something with a unique design to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Perhaps you want something with flexible sizing so that you can rip a certain amount of paper off for each job.


What Is a Good Alternative to Paper Towels?

Despite some of our recommendations being eco-friendly, you may still be looking for an alternative to paper towels. In our home, we actually never use paper towels, even though we understand the benefits. We’ll share a few amazing alternatives to paper towels for different scenarios.

  • Cleaning surfaces: We recommend microfiber cloths for cleaning all your surfaces. You can use these with a cleaning spray or just water, depending on the mess at hand, and they will clean your mess right up. They are soft and gentle on surfaces and can be rewashed hundreds if not thousands, of times before they wear down.
  • Drying dishes: Why not invest in a good dish towel for drying dishes? These are essential staples in our house. They do a much better job at drying dishes than paper towels.
  • Drying your hands: This is another excellent place to use dish towels. They absorb very quickly and are nice and gentle on your hands.
  • Napkins: While using paper towels as napkins is convenient, you may be looking for an alternative. We recommend cotton napkins which you can wash and reuse many times.
  • Wrapping up food: Giving a neighbor some cookies? You may reach for paper towels, but why not try reusable beeswax wrap? They can return it to you, you can wash it, and reuse it again!
  • Draining fried foods: You may be used to draining or patting down fried foods, or other ingredients, with a paper towel. Instead, put a wire baking rack over a baking sheet and let the food naturally drain itself. This prevents the food from going soggy or bits of the paper towel from sticking to the food.

FAQs

Which Paper Towels Are Best for Cleaning Windows?

In our opinion, the best paper towel for cleaning windows is the EcoLifestyle Bamboo Paper Towel. It is durable and sustainably sourced, and you can wash them up to 100 times.

What Type of Paper Absorbs the Most Water?

Paper towels that absorb the most water are ones constructed from layers of tissue paper with air pockets that trap moisture. For instance, Bounty and EcoLifestyle reusable bamboo paper towels are super impressive!

Are Bounty Paper Towels Worth It?

Bounty paper towels are worth it because they are super absorbent, have trap and lock technology to contain moisture and come in large sheets for significant spillages.

Should You Reuse Paper Towels?

You should reuse paper towels if they are constructed from reusable materials. Bamboo paper towels are washable up to 100 times, making them the ideal multi-use paper towel.

How Long Do Reusable Paper Towels Last?

One pack of reusable paper towels lasts about one year, equivalent to approximately 150 rolls of single-use paper towels.

Do Paper Towels Break Down in Landfills?

Paper towels do break down in landfills because they are constructed from natural materials like wood pulp.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!