The 12 Best Places to Buy Couches Online of 2024

Four Different Couches Arranged on a Colorful Background — Photo:
People / Alli Waataja

There's no other furniture piece that's quite as useful as a couch. Couches are an integral part of midday naps, movie nights, and family cuddles, providing the perfect place to plop on whether you're entertaining a crowd or cozying up by yourself. While it's obvious that finding the right couch is essential to your day-to-day living, it's not always the easiest task, especially if you're purchasing online and don't have the opportunity to do a sit test.

A durable, long-lasting couch should be comfortable, fit your space and body size, and have quality construction. Keeping these factors in mind, we surveyed our team and tested dozens of couch retailers to find the best of the best. We also considered factors like customer service and return policies, should you decide the couch isn’t right for your space.

Keep reading to shop PEOPLE’s picks for the best place to buy a couch online.

Our Top Picks

Joybird at Joybird.com

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Ashley Furniture at Ashleyfurniture.com

Pottery Barn at Pottery Barn

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Lovesac at Lovesac.com

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Albany Park at Albanypark.com

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Amazon

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Amazon may be one of the only places you'll see both your favorite toothpaste and your future living room couch in one shopping cart.

Amazon offers a wide selection of comfortable couches in various styles, sizes, and prices. While you won't be able to do a sit test on a potential couch, Amazon offers several ways of knowing if the risk is worth taking. You can sift through ratings and reviews as well as see photos of the couch in a real space, which is helpful since several of their items are from third-party sellers and the quality can vary.

The online retailer also offers competitive pricing on couches and spacious sectionals compared to other stores; you may be more likely to find discounted prices, deals, and occasional sales. And, if you're a Prime member, the free two-day shipping on select items is a nice contrast to the often delayed shipping times you'd find at most furniture stores.

Return Window: 30 days | Shipping Cost: Varies by product | Perks: Two-day shipping for Prime members

Walmart

PHOTO: Walmart

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Walmart is home to a number of sofas and sectionals that fit any style and budget. While navigating to the sofa section on their website isn't as user-friendly as some of the others on our list, once you do get there, you're met with a slew of filters to help you narrow down your search and make shopping there a little less overwhelming, including size, color, and style.

One of our favorites is the nap-friendly DHP Cooper Reversible Sectional Sofa. Our tester was impressed with its comfort, quality, and smoothness, given its modest price.

One of the perks of shopping at Walmart is that many of the items are in stock and ready to ship. You also have access to customer reviews and ratings if you're unsure about quality.

Return Window: 90 days | Shipping Cost: Free | Perks: Manufacturer coupons are accepted

Burrow

PHOTO: Burrow

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Burrow is a furniture brand known for its array of functional, modular pieces with a mid-century modern and contemporary Scandinavian influence. There are a few showrooms in major metropolitan cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, but shopping on the Burrow website is not an intimidating task, with the ability to filter through "ready to ship" items.

Burrow doesn't currently offer white glove delivery, but assembly and setup for the couches are meant to be plain sailing — you don't need any tools to put the couch together, and Burrow even labels each box to save you time when it comes to searching for pieces.

A favorite we love is the Arch Nomad Loveseat, which offers several straightforward customization options: Choose from fabric, leather, or velvet material, and choose the leg finish, arm style, and back cushion type.

Burrow's sofas come at a reasonable price (and include helpful tech features, like built-in USB chargers), but if you don't mind owning open-box, returned, or refurbished pieces, check out their outlet marketplace, where you can catch a substantial discount.

Return Window: 30 days | Shipping Cost: Free | Perks: Free swatches

Joybird

PHOTO: Joybird

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Joybird's mid-century modern flair is likely to attract customers looking for a healthy juxtaposition of clean silhouettes and organic shapes. They have a curated selection of sofas but also offer the ability to customize fabrics, of which they have several.

The Briar Sectional with Storage we tested was very comfortable for everyday use; it also has a nifty storage area in the chaise if you're into a more streamlined look.

One thing we love about Joybird is that if an item is on sale, you can lock in the discounted price without rushing to choose your customization options. Joybird will send you a free swatch kit that includes all of their upholstery options, and from there, you can decide what you want and move forward with designing your perfect couch. This is great for those who don't want to miss out on a good deal just because they're unsure of the materials.

Return Window: 90 days | Shipping Cost: $49 for curbside delivery, white glove delivery cost based on location | Perks: Limited lifetime warranty, ability to lock in sale prices before customizing

The 4 Best Sleeper Sofas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Ashley Furniture

PHOTO: Ashley Furniture

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For traditional, basic couches at fair prices, Ashley Furniture has a wide selection to choose from. Most pieces are only offered in two or three color options, and there's no option to customize things like width or leg type, but Ashley Furniture has over 650 stores across the country, so you'll most likely be able to find a location near you if you prefer to experience the product in person before purchasing.

Our tester reviewed a two-piece sectional sofa and noted how comfortable and spacious it was — even for houseguests who are spending the night. It's also held up for many years and through multiple moves without showing any signs of wear.

Shipping can be expensive depending on the zip code, but doorstep delivery is free on all products (just remember, you'll have to assemble them yourself). Another thing we love about Ashley Furniture is their price match system: If the item you purchased goes on sale (or if you find the identical item at another retailer), they'll honor the lower price as long as it's within 30 days.

Return Window: 30 days | Shipping Cost: Free for doorstep delivery, $200-$300 for no-hassle delivery | Perks: If an item you’ve purchased goes on sale within 30 days of delivery or you find the identical item for less, they'll price match it

West Elm

PHOTO: West Elm

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If you're looking to design your dream couch, West Elm is here to make it happen. The retailer has an extensive library of couch options, all of which can be customized by size, depth, color, and fabric type. The material selections range from durable fabric (like performance linen, basketweave, and twill, which are great for those with pets or kids) to top-grain leather (including vegan options).

Picking out the perfect couch on West Elm is made easy thanks to filters like seating capacity, leg type, and size. However, unless you opt for a quick-ship fabric, you'll likely have to wait six or more weeks for the couch, depending on the material you choose. But they offer exceptional white glove delivery service and will place the couch exactly where you want it, with no assembly required on your part. Our tester reviewed the best-selling Harmony Sofa, which they said had the perfect height for creating a clear distinction between the living room and dining room.

Return Window: 30 days | Shipping Cost: White glove delivery cost based on the distance from their warehouse to your location and the amount of your overall order | Perks: Earn 10% back in rewards with a new West Elm credit card

Apt2B

PHOTO: Apt2B

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Based in Southern California, Apt2B is a retro-inspired online retailer that mainly carries an array of mid-century modern pieces (with a few industrial and transitional pieces sprinkled in) — all at fair prices.

There are a variety of customization options for their sectionals; you can choose from over 40 materials and a variety of leg finishes. Our favorite pick is the Brentwood Sectional, which withstood day-to-day wear and tear as well as pet scratches and baby-related messes.

One of the things that sets Apt2B apart from other furniture stores is that they offer free delivery on all orders (read: there's no minimum). If you prefer to have your couch delivered and assembled for you, white glove delivery is available for $149. They also offer a pretty flexible 100-day return policy (though there is a 15 percent restocking fee if your return can't be guaranteed as new).

Return Window: 100 days | Shipping Cost: Free delivery or $149 for white glove delivery | Perks: Free fabric swatches, limited lifetime warranty

Pottery Barn

PHOTO: Pottery Barn

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The great thing about Pottery Barn is that you get the best of both worlds in a fusion of modern pieces with a traditional twist. While the price for a Pottery Barn couch runs high, the retailer doesn't skimp on quality. Take the PB Comfort Roll Arm Upholstered Sofa we tested, for example. The wood frame is constructed with mortise and tenon for maximum stability and sinuous springs to prevent sagging, and it even comes with adjustable levelers that ensure uneven surfaces are a non-issue.

We tested several couches from Pottery Barn, including the Buchanan Roll Arm Leather Sofa, Canyon Roll Arm Upholstered Sofa, and Turner Roll Arm Leather Sofa Chaise Sectional, all of which performed well and held up to messes. Our testers also experienced the retailer's white-glove delivery service and noted that it was a smooth process.

If the sheer number of couch options makes your head spin, you can book a complimentary one-on-one design session to find out which fabric, size, and couch type will be the best fit for you.

Lovesac

PHOTO: Love Sac

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There are a lot of reasons to love Lovesac: free shipping, a 60-day trial, and impressively comfortable sofas, among them.

The decades-old retailer has earned its stripes in the furniture space with their famed sacs, but we think its "sactionals" are equally as noteworthy. We tested a custom sectional and appreciated the modular design and plethora of material options. With Lovesac's sectionals, you also have the ability to wash or change out the covers, which makes them great for families with pets or kids.

Another thing we love? You can add on pieces, take away pieces, and rearrange your couch to accommodate your lifestyle, so the couch will survive every move, every stage of life, and every space. Plus, their patented tool-free interlocking system is easy to assemble and durable.

Return Window: 60 days | Shipping Cost: Free | Perks: One-time price adjustments within 14 days are honored

Albany Park

PHOTO: Albany Park

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If you're the type to be hit with decision fatigue when faced with too many options, you'll be happy to know that Albany Park has a limited number of sofa collections to choose from, all of which differ in firmness, configuration, and fabric options. What the brand lacks in options, it makes up for in quality — the Kova L-Shape + Ottoman we tested was comfortable, perfectly sized, and came with the ability to customize.

Unlike most furniture retailers, Albany Park doesn't charge anything for shipping, nor do they have long lead times for delivery (most pieces are delivered within four weeks). While they don't offer white-glove delivery and assembly, the boxes are sized in a way that lets you easily move them through hallways and staircases, making it convenient if you live in an apartment building.

Return Window: 30 days | Shipping Cost: Free | Perks: Quick delivery, lifetime warranty

Room & Board

PHOTO: Room & Board

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If we could describe Room & Board in one word, it would be uncomplicated. The retailer carries a selection of modern yet timeless pieces that exude quality and comfort. While the prices are higher and their pieces rarely go on sale, Room & Board offers comprehensive guides to their materials as well as free design services that include 3-D renderings, which can be helpful if you're more of a visual person.

While most other retailers offer fabric swatches at a cost, Room & Board allows for up to 20 free swatches on any of their fabrics or leathers. They also have one of the most flexible return policies ("in a timely manner" is what they state), and, as a bonus, if you have a change of heart and need to cancel your order, you can do so without getting penalized (even on custom orders).

Room & Board does have a physical store if you prefer to browse in person, but shopping online is made easy with its well-organized layout and simplified customization options. We tested the Metro Sofa, which our reviewer said was cushy, comfortable, and of outstanding quality.

Return Window: Timely manner | Shipping Cost: $99 full-service delivery | Perks: Free material swatches

Article

PHOTO: Article

View on Article.com

If you follow interior designer influencers, you may have heard a thing or two about Article. The web-only furniture retailer is known for its mid-century modern style and attractive prices.

While there's no option to filter by size or depth (nor the option to create a custom-made product), the website is incredibly user-friendly to navigate. They don't carry an overwhelming number of choices, and all Article couches are in the same design style (mid-century modern with a touch of Scandinavian), making it easy to create a cohesive design throughout your space. We also found that the retailer has a consistent naming structure for their products and that they feature an intuitive grouping of products.

Quality-wise, Article ranks high in our book. We reviewed the popular Sven Velvet Sofa, which our tester noted was very comfortable, supportive, and easy to break in without compromising durability.

Return Window: 30 days | Shipping Cost: Flat rate front door delivery for $49, in-room delivery for $119, in-room delivery and assembly for $199 | Perks: If an item you’ve purchased goes on sale within 30 days of delivery, they'll price match it

What to Know About Places to Buy Couches Online

Consider Your Needs

Are you tall or short? Do you like to curl up on the couch or stretch across it? Michelle Castagna, president of Muse Design Studio, says having awareness of the way you live and how you plan to use a couch should be a determining factor in your purchase.

Aside from your height and body size (which will play a role in the depth you choose), the fill of the cushion will affect how the couch looks visually. "Some people who want a really mushy fill may have to compromise that it won't bounce back, so you have to visually know that you're dealing with a messier look," says Castagna.

You should also take into consideration how many people you want to seat and the way the cushions are broken apart. "You can have an 84-inch sofa with two cushions, and a third person is not going to want to sit on the crack," says Castagna. "If you know you want to seat three people comfortably, then you may look for a three-seat split configuration." Other people look for a bench seat where there are no seams, but those tend to bow up, and people don't always like them for everyday sitting. Keep in mind that you can compare couches of the same length but with different configurations of cushions, and that can affect how many you'll be able to seat.

Comfort Level

From a comfort perspective, Robert A. Hayden, a chiropractor in Georgia, says that a good couch should support your body’s curves in a comfortable way without giving into them over time and supporting bad posture. "Like an old pair of shoes, our furniture will sometimes take the shape of our bodies when used for a while, but if it is giving into our shape over time, then it is not supporting the shape we should have," he says. You'll know you've landed on a good material if it resists compression and retains its shape (memory foam is one such fill that Hayden recommends).

Ultimately, just like your favorite jeans or pair of winter boots, your couch should "fit" you. You'll know if your couch "fits" you if you're able to sit with your feet level on the floor and if the depth of the cushion supports the entire length of the thigh. If you're going for a tall-backed sofa, Hayden says it should accommodate the neck and head so that the head is not pushed forward into a looking-down position. As for the armrest, you should be able to rest your elbow comfortably without elevating or depressing the shoulder joint. "Leaning on an armrest that is the wrong height puts stress on muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder and may lead to significant pain later," warns Hayden.

Return Window

Most retailers that offer made-to-order pieces won't allow you to return them, so taking advantage of design consultations and fabric swatches (which most retailers offer) to ensure the piece is right for you can help save you time and money. Also, keep in mind that some places have a restocking fee, so if they have a showroom, it may help to see the item in person before purchasing. Castagna says that to figure out if a couch is right for you, you'll need some time to sit on it and experiment. "I would say you would need at least 30 days to evaluate a couch, so a 45-day return policy would be fair," she says.

Shipping and Delivery Options

There are a range of options when it comes to shipping and delivery. Some retailers, like Amazon, offer free shipping on select products if you're a Prime member, while others, like West Elm and Pottery Barn, tack on an additional fee for white glove delivery. Though it's an added cost, white glove delivery is ideal for those who don't want to unpack, assemble, and discard the packaging themselves. Plus, many places offer the ability to schedule the delivery and assembly on a specific day and time for added convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy furniture online?

It can be. Online retailers like Amazon offer low prices, but this may come at the cost of being of low quality. You're also more likely to take advantage of furniture discounts if you purchase online than in-store, as certain perks (like promotion codes, first-time customer discounts, and referral promotions) may be more readily available online. Oftentimes, a physical store location will price items higher than online to account for the physical showroom and sales associates. Aside from cost, it's easier to compare couches online than in-store, which may lead to a better deal.
What should I pay for a quality sofa?

The average cost of a quality sofa ranges from $800 to $5,000. For Castagna, quality is something you can quite literally feel. Some signs of a poor quality couch, according to Castagna, are: If you push on the foam and you can feel down to the framing; if you can tap on any part of it and it sounds flimsy (this may be a sign that particle board was used instead of real wood); or if you open the cushion and find it's filled with polyfill (then you know that the cushion likely won't last a long time).
Is there a difference between a couch and a sofa?

The word "couch" comes from the French word "couche," which refers to furniture that doesn't have arms and allows the user to lay down comfortably. In contrast, sofas typically have backs and armrests. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but generally speaking, the term "sofa" comes with a more formal connotation that's driven by design, whereas "couch" is a more casual piece made for comfort.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Michelle Rostamian is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience in the home and wellness space. She has written for publications such as Byrdie, Real Simple, InStyle, Huffington Post, Allure, Better Homes & Gardens, and more. To find the best places to buy couches online, we surveyed our team for their online buying experiences and spoke with a handful of experts to find out the important factors to consider when looking for couch retailers.

Our Expert Panel

Michelle Castagna is the president and owner of Muse Design Studio based in South Florida.
Robert A. Hayden, D.C., PhD, F.I.C.C., is a chiropractor with Iris City Chiropractic Center in Georgia.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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