Best Paper Towels
Paper towels are a kitchen staple for quick cleanups, but not all brands perform equally. Based on recent lab tests from sources like Consumer Reports, Reviewed, and America’s Test Kitchen, plus real-user feedback from X (formerly Twitter), the top picks balance absorbency, strength, reusability after wetting, and value. Bounty consistently ranks highest for overall performance, but alternatives shine for specific needs like gentleness or budget-friendliness. Prices vary by retailer and pack size (typically $20–$40 for 6–12 rolls), so check for deals.
1. Bounty Quick Size Paper Towels

4.8 out of 5
Tear-Easy, Quick-Size Sheets: Handle messes of any size with paper towels designed for efficiency and versatility that outperform ordinary brands. 2X More Absorbent: Save time and reduce waste with towels that soak up more liquid, making them both cost-effective and eco-friendly
2. Brawny Tear-A-Square Paper Towels

4.8 out of 5
Mega Value Pack: 6 Brawny Tear-A-Square Double Rolls, each with 100 2-ply sheets, equals 2 regular rolls per double roll. Pick-A-Size Sheets: Quarter-sized sheets give you the flexibility to tackle any spill, big or small. Tough & Absorbent: Strong enough for kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms, cars,
3. Sparkle Pick-A-Size Paper Towels

4.6 out of 5
Strength Meets Style: Handle everyday messes with Sparkle Spirited Prints Paper Towels, featuring durable 2-ply sheets and a pop of color for a cheerful touch. More Sheets, Fewer Changes: Each Pick-A-Size Double Roll contains 110 sheets, equal to 2 regular rolls, keeping your kitchen stocked longer.
4. Viva Multi-Surface Cloth Paper Towels

4.6 out of 5
Mega Value Pack: 12 Viva Multi-Surface Cloth Paper Towel Super Rolls (2 packs of 6), 81 sheets per roll. 4X Cleaning Power: Tackles dirt, scrubs tough grime, absorbs spills fast, and locks in liquids for effortless cleaning. Versatile & Effective: Works on multiple surfaces and traps messes 3X better when wet versus dry.
5. Scott Paper Towels

4.5 out of 5
Quick Clean, Great Value: Scott Towels’ wavy texture makes cleaning spills and messes fast and effortless. Reliable Lint-Free Results: Surfaces stay virtually lint-free for a spotless finish. Custom Sheet Sizes: Choose the perfect sheet size for every mess with Scott’s Choose-A-Sheet feature.
Buying Tips
- Sheets vs. Full Size: Select-A-Size options (Bounty, Brawny) reduce waste for small tasks.
- Storage: Keep in a holder like OXO’s ($25) for easy tearing without unraveling.
- Sustainability Note: Paper towels contribute to deforestation; opt for FSC-certified brands or reusables to minimize impact.
- Where to Buy: Amazon for deals (e.g., Bounty 12-roll for $25), Costco for Kirkland, or Target for Viva bundles.
These rankings are based data—performance can vary by batch, so read recent reviews. If you have specific needs (e.g., eco-only), let me know for tailored recs!