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?
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?
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.
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.
