Louryn StrampeGearFeb 14, 2025 11:09 AM

14 Great Couches You Can Buy Online

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Big and Sturdy

Albany Park Barton SofaRead more$2,375 $1,544 at Albany Park

Great Stain Resistance

Allform 3-Seat SofaRead more$2,369 $1,895 at Allform

Well-Made Luxury

Benchmade Modern Tyler SofaRead more$3,795 $3,036 at Benchmade Modern

Comfy Modernism

Trule Armless Large Microfiber Leather 3-Seat Bean Bag SofaRead more$820 $750 at WayfairShow more4 / 16

Maybe you have a hand-me-down couch or a thrifted floral sectional that isn’t cutting it. Or maybe your seat cushions are sunken in or stained. Whatever the reason you’re looking to buy a new couch online, you’ve come to the right place. A few of us here on the WIRED Gear team have spent years testing sofas delivered to our door sight unseen, assessing some of the most popular couches you can order online. These are our favorites.

Much like with bed-in-a-box mattresses, ordering a couch online is simpler than it sounds. You simply choose what you want, place an order, and voilà: Several boxes will arrive on your front porch. Assemble the parts and you’re good to go. But it’s important to do your research. Many couch makers offer sample swatches of fabrics, which you should take advantage of to ensure that the color and feel are exactly what you want. Make sure to measure the area where your couch will be, as well as doorframes and stairwells for delivery.

Updated February 2025: We’ve added a couch from Interior Define, a sleeper sofa, and some accessories, and updated pricing throughout.

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Why Should I Buy a Couch Online?

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Buying a couch online comes with a lot of benefits. Usually there are more customization options and a wider selection to choose from. Oftentimes it’s cheaper than buying outright in-store, too. The biggest bonus is probably that you get delivery, which means you don’t have to rent a U-Haul or beg a friend with a truck. If you choose to assemble it yourself, you can do it at your own pace, and if you choose white-glove delivery, they’ll just plop your furniture wherever it needs to go. Unless you’re near a showroom, you lose out on the benefit of being able to try it in person, but most couch retailers have a trial period so you can return it for free if you end up disliking it.

What Should I Do Before Purchasing?

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Before you order, measure the area where it will be (a few times!) and consider putting masking tape down to get a feel for the dimensions if you’re struggling to visualize them. If you’ll be assembling the sofa yourself, consider having a friend help you put it together. (I’ve successfully put together a lot of sofas on my own, but it goes faster with a pal.) Consider your fabric as well. Performance fabrics are more durable and easier to clean, but they aren’t as soft and luxurious as some other finishes like chenille or microfiber. Many couch manufacturers have swatch books available so you can experience the color and texture in-person before committing. After you order but before you get delivery, be sure you clear your space.

How We Tested

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Testing couches is a Herculean effort, so our team researched popular or unique couches online and split up the task of testing them. Each tester used their couch in their own homes for a minimum of one week (though usually much longer). We jumped on them. We napped on them. We sat on them with our friends and family. Whenever possible, we assembled them ourselves.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Big and Sturdy

Albany Park Barton Sofa

I’ve had the Albany Park Barton in my living room for nearly four months, and the only complaint I have is that a vegan leather couch (or any leather, really) can be too cold to jump onto during the freezing winter months when you just want to cozy up. The secret? Have lots of throws so you can add a barrier between your skin and the cool material. The Barton is the second couch from Albany Park I’ve tested and it’s a noticeable upgrade in build quality. The frame feels more durable, and the plush foam seats are soft, supportive, and don’t need readjusting all that much (unlike the original Kova I tested).

This couch is deep enough enough for two people to comfortably cuddle together (plus a dog). I’m 6’4″ and the Barton is long enough that I don’t need to curl up to fit. I’d recommend adding some throw pillows to the ends so that you can more comfortably rest your head on the arms. Speaking of, my wife and I love the wide arms, which are stable enough to hold a coffee cup while we’re catching up on 30 Rock (just be careful). We regularly eat in front of the TV, and I cannot for the life of me find a stain or mark on the couch. If you do end up spilling something on it, the covers are removable. (I can’t speak for the other materials since I only tested the vegan leather, but there are several other fabrics you can choose from.) You can also choose the stain of the solid wood legs—oak, walnut, or black. Though they’re kind of hard to see, so it doesn’t feel like it matters much.

Fair warning, it does arrive in three separate boxes and you will have a much easier time if you have someone to help set it up. But the instructions are clear and easy to follow and, barring the amount of time it took me to get rid of all the recycled cardboard, it was pretty quick to build. Albany Park has a 30-day trial so you can give a test before committing to the couch.—Julian Chokkattu

$2,375 $1,544 at Albany ParkPhotograph: Allform

Great Stain Resistance

Allform 3-Seat Sofa

Allform is a sister company of company of Helix which makes our favorite overall bed-in-a-box mattress. This furniture isn’t cheap, but you can customize it to be up to eight cushions long or get it in custom shapes like an L or U. It’s made sustainably, at least partially. The wood used is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and excess wood is recycled. Glues and finishes are nontoxic and water-based, the steel components are at least 95 percent recycled, and the seat cushion padding is 100 percent recycled. The packaging is both recycled and recyclable.

The couch is comfortable, with deep-set cushions that have stayed fluffy under heavy use, and the three-seater is long enough for my tallest pals to snooze on. The seats are deep enough that I can comfortably sit pretzel-style, and the detached back cushions allow for relaxed lounging. They also make good elbow rests when visiting with a friend. There are leather options available, but I tried a couch made with Allform’s “performance fabric,” which is designed to be stain-resistant and generally tough—two qualities I can verify. One of my hellion cats decided to ralph up a hairball onto a couch cushion while I slept. It sat there until I woke up. Miraculously, all it took was some cleaning solution and paper towels to completely eradicate the evidence. Persuading my furry criminals to stop scratching the sofa arms is another battle entirely.

Assembly was easy and made easier with this helpful video. One thing to note: The boxes this couch comes in are huge. Allform backs the sofa with a 100-day trial and a lifetime warranty on the frame. You can order free fabric swatches here.

$2,369 $1,895 at AllformPhotograph: Benchmade Modern 

Well-Made Luxury

Benchmade Modern Tyler Sofa

Benchmade Modern features a wide range of couches for 1950s or 1960s-styled homes. It’s the best-looking and most comfortable couch I’ve ever sat on.

It isn’t just the couch that’s great, though. Benchmade Modern has put a level of polish on the online couch-buying process that doesn’t exist elsewhere (at least in our testing). The company’s website lets you browse colors and resize couches with a slider to see the cushion layout. When you have some idea of what you want, you can also order a full book of fabric swatches, along with a full-size printout of your sofa so you can make sure it fits in your living space. The coach arrived well-packaged in a full-size box. (If you’re upstairs, be sure it will fit up your stairwell.) —Scott Gilbertson

$3,795 $3,036 at Benchmade Modern

Comfy Modernism

Trule Armless Large Microfiber Leather 3-Seat Bean Bag Sofa

Trule’s armless three-seat sofa is obviously (ahem) very faithfully inspired by the iconic Ligne Roset Togo which does, sadly, cost 10 times as much as this offering on Wayfair. The weird part? I think the Trule is actually far more comfortable than the original thanks to its stiffer and more traditional foam construction. This sofa from Wayfair came delivered to my house in a 60-pound box that was light enough for me to lift by myself. Despite the “bean bag” description, it’s nothing like the bean bags of my youth, keeping its shape precisely after being flopped and sprawled upon. At 69 inches long, it’s more like a long loveseat than a typical three-seat sofa; if you’re going to sit three people on it at once, the two on the ends will be hanging their legs out to the side, which is easy to do as there are no arms. —Martin Cizmar

$820 $750 at WayfairPhotograph: The Inside

Standout Designs

The Inside Modern Sofa

Who says couches have to look boring? You’ll have to spend a little time making sure the colors and patterns don’t clash with your room, but I love the sheer number of choices The Inside offers for its handmade, made-to-order Modern Sofa. I went with the Ink Frida and it looks excellent in my space, though there are more than 88(!) other patterns you can peruse.

The legs are metal, so you don’t have to worry about one breaking off if you plop down too forcefully, and the frame of the sofa is solid wood with laminated panels and tempered steel springs. The Inside offers white glove delivery, so it arrived fully assembled and all I had to do was make space for the delivery folks to squeeze it through my narrow stairwell and into the living room. Most important, it’s wonderfully cozy. The seats are plush and my wife and I have fallen asleep on this thing a few too many times. The covers are removable, though the company recommends spot cleaning.

I love the length. At 89 inches, I can comfortably stretch my 6’4″ body all the way, though we wouldn’t have minded if it had more depth. You will need to add throw pillows for the ends, as the arms are rigid; they help complete the look too. —Julian Chokkattu

$1,995 $1,496 at The InsidePhotograph: Nena Farrell

More Affordable Luxury

Benchmade Modern Laguna Sofa

Benchmade Modern’s range of couches is even bigger than before with the new Laguna Collection. It comes in three different styles: a sofa, a sofa with chaise, and a sectional. It’s a little cheaper than other offerings, like the Tyler couch we’re already fans of, but still lets you browse and choose from a huge range of colors and fabrics to use on the couch. But my favorite part was that you can choose a single bench cushion model for all three sofa styles. It made the sofa much more comfortable to fit three people on, since you don’t have to worry about the middle crack to fall into. My family and I have been sitting on it for months now, and the single cushion (as well as the rest of the couch’s cushions) is comfortable and supportive. –Nena Farrell

$3,132 $2,505 at Benchmade ModernPhotograph: Article

A Great Leather Couch

Article Sven Charme

This Article couch is a close second in comfort to the Benchmade Modern I wrote about above. It’s soft without being too soft. The single bottom cushion makes for excellent Sunday afternoon naps—there’s no crack to fall in. The Sven comes in a variety of colors and fabrics, but I tested the leather version. Article uses high-quality aniline leather, which has proved durable and stain-resistant in my testing.

One thing to keep in mind if you go leather: Over the long run, some maintenance will help your couch last longer. It’s worth periodically applying some leather oil to condition the surface. (Otter Wax ($10) is a popular choice.) Also, keep in mind that aniline leather has a tendency to darken slightly over time. I have not noticed this in my testing, but other reviews on the web confirm that it has happened to the Sven. This one arrives in full size. All you need to do is screw in the legs, but if you need to get it through a small entryway, be sure to check measurements ahead of time. —Scott Gilbertson

$1,699 at ArticlePhotograph: Lovesac

Totally Customizable

Lovesac Sactional

A Lovesac couch—aka Sactional—is expensive, but customizable. Only have space for a two-seater now? Turn that into a three-seater when you have your first kid, or even a 10-seater when you move into a house with a basement. Add storage seats and power hubs and switch out the machine-washable covers when you redecorate. You can configure and reconfigure it in a number of ways, including by making the seats deeper.

It’s comfy and sturdy, and the corded velvet cover I chose looks sophisticated but cozy. The best part? It doesn’t resemble a couch cover, which often looks baggy. It comes in many, many boxes, depending on what you get. That makes it easier to bring up small stairwells, but you’ll need a lot of patience and someone else to help you put it together. (And maybe a gift for your delivery person.) I recommend watching the company’s instructional videos. The hard pieces—like the frame, sides, and clamps that hold pieces together–come with a lifetime warranty, but covers and cushions have a three-year warranty.

★ Upgrade: For another few grand, you can add Lovesac’s StealthTech pieces (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which hide Harman Kardon speakers in the arms (plus a wireless charging pad) and a subwoofer under the seat. The bundle also comes with a center channel that plugs into your TV. You can get it when you order a new couch or connect it to a Sactional you already have at home. —Medea Giordano

$4,710 $3,297 at LovesacPhotograph: Burrow

Quick and Easy

Burrow Nomad Sofa Sectional

The Burrow sofa sectional is plush, comfy, and fairly compact, but its best feature is how quickly it assembles. The Nomad ships in a few large boxes, depending on the options you choose (with or without an ottoman, extra cushions, etc.). Once you open the boxes, the build goes pretty quickly. Everything snaps together like a Lego set.

The Nomad has held up well over the past year, considering I’m in a three-pet household. The cushions are still just as plush as they were on day one, and despite the need to occasionally push the cushions back in (they tend to slide if you sit and slouch for a long time, as I do), it’s one of the best couches I’ve owned. Additionally, it’s pretty compact without sacrificing seating space. The sofa sectional can easily seat three people, or four if you seat someone on the chaise. It’s a great choice for small apartments, and it really opened up my living room. —Jaina Grey

$2,198 $1,649 at BurrowPhotograph: Elephant in A Box

Simple but Stiff

Elephant in a Box Dynamic Sofa

Setting up the Dynamic Sofa is a piece of cake. It shipped in a single box—still heavy, but significantly less bulky than other couches I’ve tried. The armrests are pulled apart, stretching a built-in honeycomb between them. Snap the included bars into place, attach the lining pieces to their corresponding Velcro strips, plop down the cushions, and assembly is complete. I also tested the optional desk armrest, which has a fold-out desk nesting inside. It, too, is easy to use, and it turns this couch into a guest bedroom powerhouse. (It also works as a built-in end table for smaller spaces.) There are more mod options to choose from when ordering.

Overall, the couch is super sturdy and durable, but it is … not that comfortable. It reminds me of dorm room furniture: cheap, functional, and unexceptional. The bottom cushions are too stiff, and the top cushions are too squishy. It’s fine for a guest room, office, Airbnb, or second sofa. My guests have even slept on it just fine, though a few of them padded the cushions with extra blankets. I think it’s worth investing a bit more for a comfier sofa, but if you’re prioritizing assembly, budget, and longevity, this may be a good option.

$1,349 at Elephant in A BoxPhotograph: Cozey

The Biggest of the Bunch

Cozey Ciello XL Couch

The Cozey Ciello XL is really easy to set up, especially with the company’s video instructions. Depending on the configuration you choose for this modular sofa, you might need a lot of room for assembly. Make sure you have a clear space to work in before putting it together (and a box cutter handy for cleanup afterward).

Each module arrives in its own box, with the cushions, covers, and hardware tucked inside the hollow seat, back, or armrest. Pull everything out, put it all together, and snap the modules together to bring your sofa to life.

I didn’t love the sofa’s boxy frame nor the way the crinkly, cloudlike cushions liked to slip and slide over the rigid structures beneath. But if you’re looking for room to stretch out, this couch has it. Its size makes it an obvious choice for families who need more room for movie nights. And the performance fabric, combined with the removable covers, makes for very easy cleaning. You can order free swatches of the performance fabric and the chenille options, and there’s a 30-day trial period as well as a five-year warranty.

$2,515 at CozeyPhotograph: Nugget

Best Play Couch for Kids

Nugget Play Couch

Play couch?! Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing when my wife told me this guide should include a Nugget. After all, aren’t all couches play couches? Yes, they are. That’s why having a separate, designated kids’ play couch is so nice; it keeps the grown-up couch looking like a couch and gives your children a couch they can turn into a human catapult. Everyone wins. I highly recommend picking a dark color for your Nugget. While the fabric is washable, who wants to wash it all the time? —Scott Gilbertson

$249 at NuggetPhotographer: Kat Merck

Best for Cat Owners

Interior Define Custom Sofa

As most cat owners know, cats love sharpening their claws on just about anything other than the dedicated furniture you buy for them. Deterrents like hand-clapping and training tape result in nothing but a short delay. In fact, my two cats managed to turn two accent chairs and a sectional into dump-worthy eyesores in the space of several years. Which is why when I heard about Interior Define’s “cat-friendly” fabrics, I knew I had to try one of them. Interior Define does sell premade furniture but is best known for offering one of the most customizable built-to-order couches—25 styles with over 150 fabric options, 35 styles of legs … the list goes on. You can even choose lengths and widths, sit depth, and cushion fill material. Customers have access to a free consultation with a design expert (either virtual or in person at one of ID’s 14 brick-and-mortar locations), and unless you’re a professional interior designer, I highly recommend this. Even as someone who has bought multiple couches, I was immediately overwhelmed by having to choose options—like tapered vs. stiletto legs—that I hadn’t previously considered.

Regardless, I pushed through to choose the Sloan sectional in onyx cat-friendly performance velvet with oiled-walnut legs. Now for the downside of having a couch built by Interior Define: the wait. Given that the couches are built to order in China or Vietnam, delivery can take two, three, or even four months. (Mine took four.) Reasonable, but still worthy of consideration if you’re in need of a couch quickly. All of ID’s made-to-order couches come with white-glove delivery. As for the finished product, the seat and back cushions—for which I chose a standard down blend—are firm. Not uncomfortably so, but firmer than I’m used to. I also wish I had selected a wider depth (40 inches rather than 36), as the cushion length feels noticeably short. Otherwise, the couch is beautiful and feels sturdy and well-made. The best part? The cat-friendly performance velvet works. Both of my cats despise the fabric’s tight weave—they tried sharpening their claws a few times but quickly gave up and now use their long-neglected scratchers. After two months, the Sloan still looks pristine, which to me was worth the wait. —Kat Merck

$1,116 at Interior DefinePhotograph: Martin Cizmar

A Good Sleeper Sofa

Mercer41 Convertible Sleeper Sofa

I’ve been on the lookout for a great sleeper sofa to add to our best mattresses guide, and the Mercer41 is a standout. This foam-block couch bed has an elegantly simple design—there are two foam layers the size of a twin bed and then two L-shaped armrests. As a sofa it’s on the deep side and may not work in every space. But in place of a daybed in an office, or if you’re someone who takes laying around on the couch literally, it’s great. It’s also very kid-friendly. My 9-year-old daughter loves using its foam blocks to build forts. You can take the corduroy cover off and wash it. The couch is available in orange, green, and cream. As a bed, the foam is spongy and a fairly neutral medium-firmness that I would not hesitate to offer to any houseguest. As a sofa, its a little on the stiff side, which I like. —Martin Cizmar

$620 at WayfairPhotograph: Albany Park

Honorable Mention

Not every couch deserves a spot on our list above, but here is one we also like:

Albany Park Kova for $1,175: The Kova is easy to assemble because you just have to connect hooks, which means disassembly is easy too. The system allows for modular add-ons like corners or consoles. There are two fabric swatches and several velvet color options to choose from. The back and seat cushions are super comfy, and deep—for reference, I’m 6′ 4″, and there’s enough cushion and room to nap with my wife and dog on this couch side by side. After a year, it held up well. The problem is that the cushions and seats don’t stay put, so it’s a constant exercise of adjusting them. There’s also a slight gap between the assembled seats, which you’ll need to push together every so often. The seats flatten out too quickly for my liking, so you need to fluff them up too. It’s a lot. The wood frame inside the mattress isn’t that durable—I rested my knee on the frame once and the wood caved in a little. Welp. Be gentle. Despite all this, the Kova is a comfortable, great-looking sofa for a nice price, if you don’t mind micromanaging it. —Julian Chokkattu

Photograph: Floyd

A Couch to Avoid

Stay Away From These

Joybird Eliot Sofa for $1,450: I wanted to love this Joybird couch. In fact, I do. It looks amazing. Every time I walk by it, I think, “Now that is a good-looking couch.” Then I sit on it. The base cushions sink down farther than they should, and the stuffing feels uneven, firmer in some spots than others. The couch is also slightly too deep to be comfortable. I’m 5’10”, and I would guess this one does not become comfortable until you’re at least 6’2″. It feels like a $500 couch. Its long-term durability is questionable as well. The internet is littered with reviews suggesting this couch won’t stand up to the test of time. I can’t comment on that directly, but it certainly picks up dirt. The cushions were noticeably browner than the rest of the couch within the first week of having it in the house. —Scott Gilbertson

Couch Accessories We Like

Chom-Chom Roller for $28: We’ve been recommending this pet-hair remover in our Cat Gear Buying Guide for years, and for good reason—it uses an electrostatic charge rather than tape or battery-powered suction to make short work of any amount of pet hair. It cleans up my large velvet sectional in just a couple of minutes, and I never have to worry about charging a hand vacuum or replacing an adhesive lint roller. —Kat Merck

CouchConsole Drink & Snack Tray for $60: No room next to your couch for an end table? Plop down with this portable caddy and you’ll be in brain-rot bliss in no time. It’s got a gyroscopic cup holder, nonskid surface for a remote or mug, a slot for propping up your phone, a food-safe cup for snacks, and even a USB-C port to which you can hook up a portable charger. Even though I have a coffee table, I still use one of these on my couch to avoid having to get up and disturb the inevitable cat on my lap. —Kat Merck

Anker Power Strip for $20: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft implored us all to put a little power cube under our couch. And he was right. Having a base station like this one will improve your life in small but undeniably convenient ways. It has three AC outlets, plus some USB-C and USB-A ports, so you’ll always be able to top off your gear at a moment’s notice. And if your living room is like mine, and the outlet situation isn’t ideal, you won’t have to stretch your charging cord halfway across the room anymore.

Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering beauty, home gear, and gifts. During her five-year tenure at WIRED and throughout her 12-year career, she has written about everything from food to sleep to video games. She previously wrote for Future PLC and Rakuten. She resides in … Read moreWriter and ReviewerXTopicsShoppingFurniturebuying guideshouseholdRead MoreThe Best Body Pillows for Side SleepersFrom the classic body pillow to unique shapes for optimal limb support, we tested a wide range of body pillows designed for side sleepers.Molly HigginsThe Best Handheld VacuumsLightweight, powerful, and generally inexpensive, the handheld vacuum is the perfect household helper.Molly HigginsThe Best Fans for Every UseFrom tower and pedestal styles to utilitarian box fans, these are our WIRED-tested favorites.Kat MerckThe Best Mattresses You Can Buy OnlineWIRED has tested hundreds of bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.Martin CizmarGive Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office ChairsSitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Running Shoes for Outpacing All Your TroublesWe clocked thousands of test miles to bring you the best running shoes for every pace, ability, and running goal.Kieran AlgerThe Best Mattresses for Back PainStruggling with back pain while you sleep or when you wake up in the morning? These mattresses can help with that. Nena Farrell The Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Scented CandlesSet the right mood with these tried-and-tested candles.Louryn StrampeExpress Yourself With the Best AirPods CasesFrom a can of Spam to a mini suitcase, these are our favorite ways to disguise (and protect) Apple’s wireless earbuds. We have picks for protecting the over-the-ear AirPods Max headphones too.Brenda StolyarThe Best Leggings for Gym Rats, Runners, and Professional Couch PotatoesWhether you’re doing reps or pushing Play on the next episode, these leggings are built for every kind of marathon.Boutayna Chokrane The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work (and Life)Whether you’re biking to the office or schlepping a camera to a shoot, a laptop bag is your constant companion. These WIRED-reviewed packs do the job.Adrienne So