The Best Couches We've Ever Tested

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Loveseats, sectionals, sleepers, and more.

In This Article

Real Simple / Ashley Craiger

A couch is one of the largest pieces of furniture in your home and perhaps one of the most used: It’s destined to be the setting for sleepovers, movie nights, deep conversations, and even work meetings. While it’s tempting to opt for the trendy couch that’s making its way around social media, it’s important to remember to choose a piece that will be a lasting investment.

To find the best couches, we tested 31 couches at home, evaluating them based on comfort, quality, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping for a couch, we consulted Stephen Bowen, senior furniture designer at Burrow, and interior designers Jade McNeil and Audrey Scheck.

This customizable sofa strikes the perfect balance between softness and support.

The arms aren’t very well padded.

This two-cushion sofa scored fives across the board in our testing, earning it the top spot as our favorite couch. We found the sofa’s feel so perfect that we would even go as far as to consider it the Goldilocks of couches—not too firm, not too soft, but just right. The cushions somehow struck a balance between firm and cloud-like, making them suitable for both napping and sitting upright. We appreciate that this pick is cushiony without being soft to the point that it would make your back ache. The armrests aren’t very well padded, though.

In addition to its comfort, this couch also boasts impressive durability. After one year of use, we’ve noticed no loose threads, snags, or pilling whatsoever. The couch endured cat pee with no stench or stains, and pet hair didn’t stick to it, either. Plus, the cushions maintained their buoyancy and support. This pick comes in seven sizes, ranging from a 65-inch loveseat to a 107-inch modular sofa, accommodating rooms of any dimension. The variety of upholstery options makes this couch especially versatile. The only aspect that’s not customizable is the fill, as the couch offers only one option (down).

Upholstery: 225 options, including performance, velvet, chenille, boucle, and microfiber | Seat Fill: Down | Frame: Hardwood | Dimensions: 65–108 by 38–43 by 34 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches

This comfortable sofa is surprisingly durable given its price, and the removable, machine-washable covers make it easy to maintain.

The couch cover doesn’t sit flush against the couch.

Just because a sofa is an investment doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive one. We found this couch to be one of the best we’ve ever owned, and its low price tag makes it even better. In our testing, this couch proved to be both comfortable and high quality. The springy cushions are plush and supportive, but we do recommend letting them inflate before use.

With a machine-washable and removable slipcover, this pick is ideal for households with kids or pets. Our apple juice stains came out of the cover with ease, so you won’t have to worry about stain resistance. Along with being easy to clean, the colorful covers also allow for versatility—whether you want to change your couch’s look seasonally or are craving a random refresh, you can simply swap the cover rather than buy a new couch altogether. While the cover does look like a couch cover (it doesn’t lay flush against the couch), we didn’t mind the appearance.

Despite its inexpensive price, this couch proved to be surprisingly durable. After one year of use, the fabric still looks as good as new, with hardly any signs of wear and tear. We’ve noticed no changes in sturdiness or comfort over time, a testament to this pick’s longevity. Overall, this couch was perfect for pretty much everything, whether it be napping, reading, or socializing. If you’re seeking a long-lasting couch that won’t break the bank, this IKEA one checks all the boxes.

Upholstery: Polyester and cotton | Seat Fill: Foam and polyester | Frame: Particleboard, plywood, solid wood | Dimensions: 88.25 by 36.25 by 36.25 inches | Seat Depth: 22.87 inches

You can tailor the upholstery, leg, and fabric to your preferences.

The couch cushions may flatten where you sit most often.

If you're willing to splurge on a sofa, the Benchmade Modern Skinny Fat Sectional is a great choice. This pick stands out for its customizability: It’s available in three fabrics, four leg finishes, two fill options, and countless color combinations. You can choose how long you want each side to be, even picking which side the bumper is on. We’re big fans of the chaise, which enabled us to sit back and relax with our feet up.

We were particularly impressed by this sofa’s durability. The fabric remained intact, even after some aggressive cat clawing, and showed no stain residue following an accidental pasta sauce spill. After six months of use, we’ve noticed no scratches, scuffs, or fading. The plush pillows have retained their shape well and continue to provide ample support. We did find ourselves occasionally sitting in the space between the couch cushions, and we noticed an imprint where we sat the most often. Aside from this minor flattening, the couch remained in pristine condition.

Upholstery: 128 options, including leather, velvet, woven, boucle, and performance | Seat Fill: Standard, down-alternative | Frame: Plywood | Dimensions: 65–100 by 33 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches

The upholstery is durable enough to endure stains and cat claws without showing any signs of wear.

The low-profile, deep seats require some effort to get up from.

Sectionals are great for large groups—they comfortably fit friends and family without anyone needing to squeeze. The Sixpenny Devyn L-Shaped Sectional is dream for movie nights, thanks to its spacious design and deep 31-inch seats. During testing, several of us were able to sprawl out and watch TV on this sofa, with some sitting and others lying down, Just keep in mind that due to the deep, slouchy seats, it may take some effort getting up from the couch.

While we were initially hesitant about the light-colored fabric's durability, it has proven to be surprisingly stain resistant. We were able to remove most stains with just a wet towel, and the upholstery remained unscathed after an applesauce spill. Plus, it comes with a removable slipcover, so you can easily refresh it when needed. We do wish the armrests had more padding, but we still found it comfortable to rest our heads on.

After six months of use, we've noticed no changes in quality—the sectional has endured roughhousing from a cat, a puppy, and two kids with no visible signs of wear. The pillows do require some occasional fluffing, and the seat cushions tend to shift a bit when you get up from the couch. However, we think these issues are typical of slouchy sofas and are worth overlooking given the overall comfort and functionality.

Upholstery: Linen, velvet, polyester, canvas | Seat Fill: Feather down or polyfill | Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood and plywood | Dimensions: 145 by 98 by 33 inches | Seat Depth: 31 inches

The mattress is more comfortable and easier to set up than a standard pull-out couch.

It may take some time to break in.

Whether you have relatives visiting from out of town or are simply throwing a sleepover, all hosts know the importance of having a good sleeper sofa. Able to convert into either a twin- or queen-sized mattress, Joybird’s Briar Sleeper Sofa is the best sleeper we tried.

Many sleeper sofas are a hassle to open, and this one stands out for its user-friendly nature. Of the six sleeper sofas we’ve tested, it was the easiest to operate. It took us only five minutes to convert the sofa into a bed on our first try, and now that we’ve gotten the hang of it, the process takes only 30 seconds.

It’s worth noting that the couch itself isn’t overly comfortable—it felt too firm when we first sat on it, but it did get comfier with use. Even so, the soft mattress is really where this couch shines. While pull-out beds tend to be clunky looking, this pick’s mid-century modern design is actually stylish, with tapered legs and a tufted seat. It’s available in over 75 fabrics and colors, including stain-resistant options, making it suitable for households with pets.

After using the sleeper sofa for one year, we can personally attest to its durability. The fabric still looks the same as it did on day one, enduring dirty paws and chocolate spills with no staining. While some of us do wish the cushions got a bit softer over time, we appreciate that they retained their shape and volume with use.

Upholstery: Polyester, velvet, performance fabrics | Seat Fill: Polyurethane foam cushions, memory foam mattress | Frame: Wood | Dimensions: 79 by 36 by 35 inches (with mattress closed), 78 by 86 by 34 (with mattress open)

It’s well constructed, and the performance fabric can withstand stains and scratches.

The back cushions require fluffing with use, and the removable covers aren’t machine washable.

With kids and pets running around the house, durability and stain resistance are essential. This couch has endured pretty much every kind of roughhousing throughout our six-month testing period—from kids jumping to cats scratching—with minimal wear. Pet hair proved to be easy to wipe off (even without a lint roller!), and the material has held up well with no discoloration. The removable covers aren’t machine washable, but we were able to spot clean stains successfully. Given its durability, we think this couch is the perfect pick for pet owners or those with young children.

This couch is available in 56 colors and three leg finishes, with the option to put the chaise on the left or right depending on your desired layout. Since it’s made to order, you should expect to wait five to seven weeks for the delivery. We found the couch comfortable enough to sit on for hours at a time, with the cushions firm yet not too hard (though they do require some fluffing from time to time.) The frame is sturdy and the square arms solid, a testament to this sectional’s well-made construction. Even the beloved corner seat, our personal favorite spot, experienced no changes in quality throughout months of use.

Since this sofa doubles as a sleeper, it can transform into a queen-sized bed with your choice of a 5.5-inch innerspring or 4.5-inch memory foam mattress. We found the memory foam to be very comfortable, and we couldn’t feel the metal frame beneath it at all. Measuring 121 inches in width, this sleeper sectional may be too large for smaller spaces. However, if you’re looking for something to comfortably seat the whole family (pets included), we think it’s worth the splurge.

Upholstery: Performance fabric | Seat Fill: Foam cushions, memory foam, or innerspring mattress | Frame: Wood | Dimensions: 121 by 88 by 36 (with mattress closed), 121 by 92 by 30 (with mattress open) | Seat Depth: 25 inches

The performance leather is particularly durable.

It’s a bit smaller than it looks on the website.

Modular sofas are beloved for their customizability, letting you rearrange the sections to accommodate your layout and preferences. The Allform 3-Seat Sofa comes in three separate pieces, which you can position as you choose. It’s also available in nine upholstery variations—seven fabrics and two types of leather—and three leg finishes, providing even more options.

We were amazed by this couch’s high quality. The seams look well made, and the pieces fit together as expected. We found the performance leather, which is treated with a polyurethane resin coat, to be particularly durable and resistant to stains. After six months of use, we’ve noticed no sagging, scratches, or tears in the material (aside from a few minor cat scratches, which is no fault of the couch). The cushions have maintained their shape well, and the color is still vibrant. We found the couch to be a bit smaller than it looked online—it was only able to fit two of us comfortably—so we wouldn’t recommend this pick for those looking to seat large groups.

We found the material firm yet comfortable, suitable for both sitting and lounging. We wouldn’t say the cushions were super plush or cozy, though. In addition to its versatility, this choice is also sustainable. The pine wood used in the frames is domestically sourced from vendors certified by the Sustainable Forest Initiative, and 95% of the metal and 100% of the padding is recyclable.

Upholstery: Performance fabric, leather | Seat Fill: Polyfoam, fiber | Frame: Pine wood | Dimensions: 90 by 38 by 34 inches | Seat Depth: 24 inches

The leather material is extremely high quality, and it only gets nicer over time.

The firm cushions take time to break in, and the armrest is too hard to lie on.

Unlike other materials that wear down with use, leather develops a unique patina over time, making it one of the most long-lasting materials. As soon as we sat on the Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa, we could tell how high quality it was—the leather was soft, the stitching on the seams was gorgeous, and the material even smelled good. After one year of use, we can attest that this couch ages like fine wine. While the material is susceptible to scratches, most of the minor ones faded over time, contributing to the aged aesthetic of the fabric.

One of our favorite aspects of this sofa is the variation. You can select your preferred length, seat depth, amount of seat cushions, fabric, color, and even whether or not you want nailheads. We found the bottom cushions a bit firm at first, so they did take some time to break in. The back cushions, on the other hand, were much more plush from the start. You won’t necessarily sink into these sofa cushions, but they do offer support. We also found the armrests pretty hard, so we don’t think this couch is as ideal for lounging or napping, but some throw pillows should help.

Upholstery: Leather | Seat Fill: Polyester, polyester foam core, down | Frame: Kiln-dried wood | Dimensions: 64.5–103.5 by 38.5–44.5 by 35 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches

The stylish deep-seat couch is ideal for lying down.

It doesn’t offer as much customization as other couches on our list.

With a simple, minimalist design, the Article Abisko reigns as the best contemporary couch on our list. It has a simple yet chic look, and the thin legs give it a lightweight feel. It’s available in some neutral colors and either velvet or fabric upholstery, so you have options. Though it doesn’t offer as many customization options as other sofas on our list, we think its timeless design will stay in style.

Considering its relatively inexpensive price, we’re amazed by this couch’s high quality. Thanks to the 25-inch-deep seats, it’s great for lying down or even sitting with your feet tucked in. Despite one year of daily use, we’ve noticed no bowing or sagging, and we couldn’t feel any framing through the cushions. Quite frankly, this couch looks and feels as good as it did when we first put it together. The material is holding up well, and the cushions have retained their shape with no lumps or imprints along the way. It’s also proven to be cozy enough for reading, lounging, and napping. If you’re seeking a good value and stylish sofa, the Article Abisko is the way to go.

Upholstery: Fabric, velvet | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber | Frame: Kiln-dried larch, plywood | Dimensions: 91 by 35 by 28 inches | Seat Depth: 25 inches

It’s durable and stylish.

The firm velvet has a break-in period.

We love this pick from Maiden Home, which exudes an elegant, luxurious appearance. With no risk of loose threads, the velvet material offers an essentially snag-proof option. It has a high-quality look and feel to it, making it one of the more chic couches on our list. But if velvet isn’t your thing, don’t worry—the couch is available in several upholstery options, including performance fabrics, mohair, leather, and more.

Crumbs brushed off the material easily, so feel free to snack away. Just keep in mind that brushing the velvet material does leave some marks, but you can quickly remove them with a vacuum. After one year of use, this couch still looks exactly as it did on day one. While the cushions initially felt too firm, we were pleased to find that they softened over time. And since this couch has one cushion rather than multiple, you won’t have to worry about falling through the cracks.

Upholstery: Velvet, leather, mohair, performance fabrics, and more | Seat Fill: Microfiber | Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood | Dimensions: 75-120 by 40 by 30.5 inches | Seat Depth: 22 inches

The cushion fill is adjustable.

It can’t fit the whole family, and it’s pretty expensive given its small size.

If you’re seeking a sleek two seater for your space, you can’t go wrong with the 7th Avenue Modular Loveseat. This couch comes in two depths—39 and 47 inches—and two back cushion firmness options: medium soft and medium firm. It also includes fill packets, which allow you to adjust the cushions to your ideal firmness. This model comes with two pieces—a left corner and a right corner—which aren’t interchangeable. Still, if you decide that you eventually want a larger sofa, you can add on modular pieces without needing to buy a new couch altogether.

This loveseat is upholstered with performance fabrics, which are water repellent, spill resistant, and OEKO-TEX certified. The removable cover is machine washable, so you can spruce it up easily when needed. After six months of use, the fabric has maintained its high quality. We’ve washed the removable covers three times so far and have successfully removed the stains with no signs of pilling.

It’s worth noting that this is a pretty small couch, so even fitting three people may be pushing it. Considering its size, it’s also fairly expensive. However, we think this couch is well worth the money for those who want a small yet stylish option.

Upholstery: Performance materials | Seat Fill: Down alternative, memory foam blend | Frame: Hardwood | Dimensions: 94 by 39-47 by 24 inches | Seat Depth: Not listed

It's durable, comfortable, and stylish.

The assembly process is pretty time consuming.

A small space requires a small couch, and after buying the Rhylin Reversible Upholstered Sectional Sofa Chaise for my own apartment, I can’t praise it enough. Measuring just under 83 inches in width, this sectional fit my living room perfectly. And while I initially assumed I’d have to forgo a chaise lounger, this pick proved otherwise–the chaise extends just 51.2 inches, long enough to comfortably recline without taking up too much space.

The chenille upholstery and tufted cushions give it a modern look, while the raised legs add an airy, lightweight feel. Plus, it comes in five colors, so you have plenty of options. The cushions are comfy enough for both lounging and sitting upright, with just the right amount of plushness and support. Even after hours of lounging, I’ve never needed to fluff them, and after eight months of daily use, I’ve noticed no signs of wear and tear. Honestly, the couch is just as comfortable now as it was the day I got it.

And finally, I can’t forget about the seamless delivery process. This couch arrived just 20 hours after I pressed “order”—faster than most Amazon Prime deliveries. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to assemble it yourself, as the pieces come in labeled bags. While the process did take some time, I liked that the boxes were easy to bring in and out of my apartment.

Upholstery: Chenille | Seat Fill: Foam | Frame: Solid and manufactured wood | Dimensions: 82.7 by 34.3 by 51.2 inches | Seat Depth: 27.5 inches

The modular sectional can be rearranged into 15 configurations.

The storage ottoman may be uncomfortable, and the fill is slightly stiff.

Couches take up a good amount of room, so finding one with built-in storage can help minimize clutter and maximize space. That’s why we recommend this Better Homes and Gardens modular sectional, which comes with a convenient storage ottoman (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple parent company Dotdash Meredith). Thanks to its modular design, you can rearrange this couch into 15 different configurations, fully customizing it to your layout. And, by simply lifting the handle on the ottoman, you have a storage solution, too.

This couch is only available in grey linen, so it’s a bit less versatile than other options on our list. While we were initially wary of the light color, it surprisingly showed no signs of wear during the testing period—even after an unexpected spaghetti sauce spill, we were able to remove the stain completely. We loved the feel of the fabric, though the fill was a bit stiffer than we expected. The storage unit also felt a little hard and uncomfortable depending on our position, so we recommend using it as a footrest. Still, we think that’s a small price to pay given the extra storage.

Upholstery: Linen | Seat Fill: Foam | Frame: Not listed | Dimensions: 20.47 by 100 by 35.04 Inches | Seat Depth: Not listed

The Room & Board Metro 2-Cushion Sofa is our best overall choice thanks to its impressive durability, ideal firmness, and reasonable price point. We especially love the sofa’s customizability, as it’s available in seven sizes and 225 upholstery options. For an even more budget-friendly option, we recommend the IKEA Uppland Sofa—the removable and machine-washable cover makes it versatile and easy to maintain, and it’s surprisingly durable given the inexpensive price.

Real Simple / Donna Freydkin

To determine the best couches, we tested 31 couches at home, evaluating them based on ease of assembly, comfort, durability, quality, and value.

First, we assessed the delivery and assembly process. Using a timer, we measured how long it took us to unbox and assemble the couch based on the manufacturer’s instructions, considering the ease and whether all of the necessary pieces were included.

During the testing period, we used the couch in several ways: sitting, napping, and accommodating multiple people, pets, and children. We regularly vacuumed the couch and the surrounding areas, noting the ease of cleaning. As we grew accustomed to the couch, we evaluated its sturdiness, comfort while in different positions, and level of softness or firmness. We also assessed the fabric’s texture and durability, including any changes in shape or firmness over time, discoloration, and whether we experienced any back or neck pain. If the couch endured any spills or stains, we considered what removal methods we used and how effective they were.

Next, we evaluated each couch’s quality, looking for abrasions, pilling, and the quality of the fill. We also assessed the sturdiness of the frame and legs, specifically whether we could feel the wood framing under the cushions.

Over one year, we used the couches in our own homes, evaluating how well they held up over time. Using this data, we compiled our list of the best couches.

Real Simple / Ashleigh Morley

Upholstery is the first thing you notice when looking at a couch, so it's important to choose one that's durable, stylish, and easy to clean. According to McNeil, performance upholstery is almost always the way to go. “Most of us don’t want all of the living we do on our furniture to show up over time,” she says. “Performance fabrics are great because they have a protective coating built into the fibers of the fabric to make maintenance easy.”

However, for those who are less concerned with everyday messes, leather and traditional fabrics are adequate. Just pay attention to the care instructions before you buy, and you’ll be good to go (stain removal charts and upholstery cleaners can help you out when spills happen).

The consensus from interior designers and furniture makers alike is that the quality of the couch is all in the frame. Solid hardwoods or kiln-dried hardwoods are longer lasting and more durable than manufactured wood or plywood frames. The best couches will be heavy and sturdy, and they won't sag or creak when you sit on them.

For the seat, Scheck suggests unzipping the seat cushions if you’re shopping in person to manually evaluate the filling. “Higher-quality sofas have down or foam covered in batting enclosed in a softer, muslin-like material,” she explains. “I also look for reversible cushions, which will extend the longevity of the sofa.”

The size of the couch you choose is highly personal and depends on both where you plan to place it and how many people you want to comfortably fit. Standard three-seater couches are the most common. However, for living rooms and dens, a larger sectional or an extra-long couch, like the Sixpenny Devyn L-Shaped Sectional, is ideal for hanging out or lounging with larger groups.

When furnishing studio apartments, home offices, and occasionally used rooms, opt for a smaller loveseat that won’t take up too much space. We recommend the 7th Avenue 2-Seat Modular Loveseat, which proved comfortable and durable during testing.

Like size, couch style is a personal choice. If you gravitate toward modern design like McNeil, she suggests looking for a couch with squared-off arms and minimal leg details. For rooms where you’re simply trying to make a design statement, a less comfortable but avant-garde curved design could be just what you’re looking for. But for movie nights and lounging around the family room, a deep and cozy leather sofa may be your best bet.

Article Sven Sofa: This sofa is one of the most durable ones we tested, able to withstand years of usage in a rental house setting with minimal wear. We also found the plush cushions particularly comfortable. However, certain stains proved difficult to remove if not addressed quickly.

Wayfair Winnie 74-Inch Upholstered Sofa: We were impressed by this sofa’s modern look and high-quality feel. We particularly love the shallow seats, which allow you to sit upright and easily converse with guests. The short armrests were a bit uncomfortable, though, so we think it’s better suited for a sitting room than a living room.

Real Simple / Amy Lee

While upholstery may be the most visible component of a couch, our experts say much of a sofa's quality comes from within. “Sofas are like cars in that so much of what determines the quality is ‘under the hood’ and not immediately noticeable to the customer,” Bowen says. “If you invest in one with high-quality materials and take care of it, it should last you for a long time.”

According to Scheck, a high-quality sofa has less to do with the upholstery and everything to do with the frame. “Solid, heavy hardwood frames are higher quality than lighter frames made of particleboard or plastic,” she says. “Make sure the legs are screwed on and not glued on, and lean on the arms to ensure that they don't give or wobble.”

According to Scheck, couches tend to max out around the 15-year mark. However, most of her clients begin to look for a new couch after around seven years. “If the cushions have gone flat or if you're hearing creaks, it's time to start thinking about a replacement,” she explains. While sagging pillows are mainly a cosmetic concern, creaks or squeaks can be a sign of structural wear that can be dangerous over time.

While prices vary greatly between retailers and brands—our list has couches ranging from around $400 to over $4,000—the price of a couch is often a pretty good indicator of quality. For Scheck, her picks of high-quality sofas are priced around the $2,000 mark while McNeil says $3,000 is her base price depending on size and project. These prices may seem high, and they are, but it’s important to remember that sofas are a big investment purchase that will last more than a decade if cared for properly.

Real Simple / Jeanne Geer

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 31 couches, evaluating them based on comfort, quality, durability, and value. We also consulted Stephen Bowen, senior furniture designer at Burrow, as well as Audrey Scheck and Jade McNeil, whose eponymous firms specialize in functional residential design.