Absorbency and wet strength. In Consumer Reports' tests the best sheets held their shape through about 15 scrubbing cycles, the worst about 6.
Price per sheet. Consumer Reports found 1 to 4 cents a sheet across the brands it named.
Select-a-size sheets, so you tear off only what a spill needs.
Paper towels
Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels
Consumer Reports' top paper towel in 2024 and 2026. High marks for absorbency, wet strength, scrubbing, and messy spills.
2–4¢ / sheet8 Triple Rolls
Buy on AmazonWorth knowing
- The priciest brand in Consumer Reports' 2024 test.
- Made from forest fibre.
Tear off a half sheet for small spills, and use a washable cloth for routine wiping.
What we ruled out
Paper towels for routine wiping. Paper towels can't be recycled. Consumer Reports recommends reusable cloths for routine cleaning.
Also good
Kirkland Signature paper towels. About 1 cent a sheet in Consumer Reports' 2026 report. Fine for light cleaning, but sold at Costco in 12-roll packs.
Washable cloths (cotton or microfiber). Consumer Reports recommends them for routine cleaning. Paper towels can't be recycled.
Sources
- Move over, Brawny: Consumer Reports reveals its top pick for paper towels, Hunker (reporting Consumer Reports) (2026)
- 5 On Your Side: Best paper towels, KSTP (reporting Consumer Reports) (2024)
- The best and worst toilet paper, paper towel, and facial tissue brands, NRDC (2026)