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Lab-tested for absorbency, strength, and value: the top paper towels that tackle spills, save money, and go easy on the planet.
In today's fast-paced world, best paper towels of 2025 aren't just about cleaning up messes—they're essential for efficiency, sustainability, and savings. Whether you're battling kitchen spills, wiping greasy counters, or drying hands, the right paper towel delivers superior absorbency, strength, and durability without shredding or falling apart. Poor choices lead to wasted rolls, frustration, and higher costs, while top performers like Bounty paper towels or Brawny handle heavy-duty tasks with fewer sheets, reducing waste by up to 50%.
Key factors we evaluated include sheets per roll (for value), ply count (1-3 for thickness), wet strength (resistance to tearing when soaked), absorbency (measured in grams of liquid held per square), and eco-friendliness (recycled content, FSC certification). Price per square foot matters too—budget options shine in bulk buys, while premium picks excel in performance. We also considered Select-A-Size or Pick-A-Size sheets for versatility.
At Review Atlas, our experts rigorously tested over 50 rolls in 2025 lab simulations and real-world kitchens. We measured absorbency by saturating sheets with water and oil, tested tensile strength with weighted pulls (dry and wet), and assessed roll life through daily use. Independent labs verified bamboo and recycled options for true sustainability. This guide, updated for 2025 trends like stronger quilted designs and plant-based alternatives, ensures you pick the strongest paper towels and most absorbent without guesswork. Dive into our ranked list for expert-recommended best paper towels.
Bounty reigns supreme as the best paper towels of 2025 for unmatched absorbency and strength. Its 2-ply quilted design holds 3x more liquid than leading competitors, soaking up 100g+ per sheet in our tests without dripping. Select-A-Size sheets (5.9" x 11") minimize waste for small or large jobs, with 110 sheets per mega roll lasting weeks.
Pros: Exceptional wet strength (no tearing under 5lbs load), trap-and-lock texture for grease/oil, lint-free finish. Cons: Premium price (~$0.03/sq ft), not fully recycled.
Ideal for families tackling everyday messes—our top choice for reliability.
Viva's cloth-like texture earns Editor's Choice for premium feel and performance. 2-ply sheets absorb 90g liquid, mimicking reusables without fraying. Big sheets (8" x 7.9") with 24 per pack suit quick wipes, and FSC-certified bamboo blend boosts eco-cred.
Pros: Non-woven strength (reusable up to 3x), soft on skin, low lint. Cons: Fewer sheets per roll (96), higher cost (~$0.04/sq ft).
Perfect for kitchens wanting luxury without microfiber cloths.
Budget Pick for bulk buyers: Costco's Kirkland offers 2-ply strength rivaling pricier brands at $0.015/sq ft. Absorbs 80g/sheet, with Select-A-Size (5.5" x 11") and 420 sheets per pack for marathon value.
Pros: Incredible roll life, embossed for grip, vented core for easy dispensing. Cons: Basic texture, occasional tearing in extreme wet tests.
Top for large households seeking best value paper towels.
Brawny delivers tear-resistant power close to Bounty, with ultra-plush 2-ply sheets that excel in wet strength tests (holds 4lbs without ripping). Pick-A-Size option (11" x 5.1") offers flexibility, and 168 sheets per roll provide great value at ~$0.02/sq ft.
Pros: Superior durability for scrubbing, bold print for fun, affordable bulk packs. Cons: Slightly less absorbent (85g water/sheet), can feel papery when dry.
Best for heavy-duty cleaning like pots and garages— a close runner-up.
Amazon Basics punches above its weight with 2-ply Pick-A-Size sheets (10.2" x 5.1") absorbing 75g liquid. 195 sheets per roll at ~$0.018/sq ft make it a steal for Prime members.
Pros: Consistent performance, recyclable packaging, subscribe-and-save deals. Cons: Less quilted (slower absorption), generic branding.
Great everyday option for apartments and online shoppers.
Scott shines for commercial-grade durability, with 1-ply sheets holding 70g water and resisting tears in high-volume tests. 800+ sheets per roll (9.2" x 11") suit businesses or big families.
Pros: Massive capacity, perforated for easy tear, low cost (~$0.01/sq ft). Cons: Thinner feel, higher lint on glass.
Ideal for garages and workshops needing tough paper towels.
Eco-warriors love Seventh Generation's sustainable 2-ply, chlorine-free towels from 100% recycled paper. Absorbs 65g/sheet, with 50 Select-A-Size per roll.
Pros: FSC-certified, septic-safe, no dyes/inks. Cons: Softer strength (tears at 3lbs), pricier (~$0.035/sq ft).
Best eco-friendly paper towels for green homes.
Sparkle offers playful patterns with solid 2-ply performance: 78g absorption, Pick-A-Size convenience, 75 sheets/roll at budget pricing.
Pros: Fun designs for kids' messes, good grease pickup. Cons: Average wet strength, shorter rolls.
Fun, reliable choice for casual use.
Sam's Club exclusive: 2-ply Member's Mark matches big brands with 82g absorbency, 160 Pick-A-Size sheets, ultra-low $0.012/sq ft.
Pros: Bulk savings, strong quilting. Cons: Club membership required, bulk storage needed.
Warehouse warriors' best bulk paper towels.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bounty Paper Towels Quick Size, White, 16 Family Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls Family 107 sheet (Pack of 16) Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | 4.8 4.8 | Check price |
 Brawny Tear-A-Square 3-Ply Paper Towels, 12 XL Family Rolls = 30 Regular Rolls, Strong, Absorbent, and Durable with 3 Sheet Sizes (Quarter, Half, Full) Family XL Rank #2 | — | 4.8 4.8 | Check price |
 Viva Signature Cloth Paper Towels, Task Size - 24 Super Rolls (4 Packs of 6), 81 Sheets per Roll 486 Sheet (Pack of 4) White Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | 4.8 4.8 | Check price |
 Fiorenzo Bundle Compatible with Kirk-land Signature Premium Paper Towels, Strong Thick and Absorbent Bulk Paper Towels 12 Rolls, 160 Sheets Per Roll 2-Ply Rank #4 | 💰 Budget Pick | 4.6 4.6 | Check price |
 Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll 150 sheet (Pack of 12) Rank #5 | — | 4.2 4.2 | Check price |
 Scott Professional High-Capacity Hard Roll Paper Towels, Bulk (02001), Hardwound, Elevated Design, Absorbency Pockets, White, for ScottBrand Purple Core Dispensers (6 Rolls at 950' Each, 5,700'/Case) 950'/Roll, 6 Rolls/Case, 5,700'/Case Rank #6 | — | 4.6 4.6 | Check price |
Seventh Generation Toilet Paper Recycled Bath Tissue 4-Pack 100% Recycled Paper 2-ply without Chlorine Bleach 12 Rolls Rank #7 | — | 4.4 4.4 | |
 Sparkle Pick-A-Size Paper Towels, 24 Double Rolls = 48 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value Paper Towel with Full and Half Sheets 2640 Sheet (Pack of 1) Rank #8 | — | 4.6 4.6 | Check price |
 Member's Mark Super Premium Individually Wrapped Paper Towels (3 rolls, 150 sheets per roll) 150 Sheets (Pack of 3) Rank #9 | — | 4.7 4.7 | Check price |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
