15 Most Comfortable Couches & Sofas of 2023

Aug 22, 2023

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You'll sink right into to these deep, comfy couches.

Chances are your couch gets a lot of love. And like your mattress, comfort is key to a relaxing experience. The most comfortable couches tend to have markers of overall quality like durable frames, deep seats with foam or down-filled cushions and soft fabric. Unfortunately, these are also attributes that drive up the prices, so you want to make sure you're choosing a piece of furniture that's worthy of the investment.

Whether you're looking for a sectional for a small space, a budget-friendly sofa or a deep, cozy sectional for napping and watching TV, there are plenty of comfortable couches for just about any style and budget. Read on for more about our top picks, most of which have been thoroughly tested by both pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute and our panel of consumer testers, as well as additional information on how to choose the right couch for your living room.

It doesn't get much softer than West Elm's Harmony sofa. On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the firmest), West Elm rates its Harmony collection as a 1. And the second you take a seat, you'll understand why — the cushions are so wide and deep, you basically become one with the couch when you sit down. Our home editors even chose it as the best RH Cloud couch dupe for this very reason.

It's not just plush, though — the couch is very well built, thanks to a kiln-dried hardwood frame and springs for added support. It's highly customizable, too. You can select the best configuration for your room, choosing from multiple widths and depths. Not to mention, there are plenty of coordinating pieces in the collection, including a build-your-own sectional. If there's any downside, it's that this couch is so deep and comfy, it can be hard to get out of. One tester said she struggled to get out of the couch when pregnant; another said elderly parents had some trouble.

Do you want to basically design your own couch? This is the one for you. There are seemingly endless options — fabric type and color, square or rolled arms, layout... you name it. The couch even comes in variations like a leather sofa and a sleeper sofa complete with a memory foam mattress. Overall, users say this couch has that coveted Goldilocks feel. It's not too plush, but not too structured, either. The seat itself also strikes a happy medium — it's not totally upright, but not so relaxed you'll feel like you're reclining.

The couch boasts a high-quality construction, too, including a kiln-dried hardwood frame and steel springs to support the cushions. Our panelists gave it high marks all around: comfort, support and appearance. If there was anything some users would change, it was their fabric selection. Some loved theirs; others were disappointed by the wear and tear. Our best advice? Take advantage of the retailer's free swatches before you buy.

This couch is proof that you don't necessarily have to go with a big name brand (with a big dollar figure to match) to get an exceptionally comfortable couch.

The foam-filled couch is available upholstered in the fabric and color of your choice — there are more than 40 options. And though the seats aren't as deep as some other options, the cushions are plush with some support, thanks to springs. It's the perfect happy medium, especially for anyone who might struggle to get up and down on a whim. All of the cushions — even the back ones — are removable for easy maintenance. Regular vacuuming and spot-cleaning will help keep it in tip-top shape.

Finding a high-quality couch for less than $1,000 is a tall order, but hundreds of reviewers say this budget-friendly couch checks nearly all of the boxes the more expensive ones do. Importantly, this couch is comfy and inviting. Still, it has a classic aesthetic, complete with exposed wooden legs, that suits the majority of decor styles.

It comes with four decorative throw pillows and there are plenty of coordinating pieces to complete a whole room, including an accent chair, a love seat and a sleeper sofa. Unfortunately, it only comes in dark gray, but the fabric is a synthetic weave that users on our panel say is easy to clean — great for families with kids or pets. Overall, this furniture piece yields high ratings across the board, but especially so in comfort and value.

Lovesac is one of the coolest modular sofas out there — and it just so happens to be supremely comfortable, too. The system has endless configurations, so you can opt for a traditional sofa for a small space or set up a huge sectional for lounging and watching TV. And since each seat and side is a separate piece, you can even add to your couch over time — or switch things up to a chair and a smaller couch, if you move and find yourself short on space.

The customization doesn't stop there, though. When ordering, you'll also get to choose the arm style, fill material and cover. And — ahh, those covers — they zip off in a flash and are machine washable for a quick refresh. On the downside, some users complained about assembly — namely that the piece are heavy and can be tricky to click together without practice.

Yep, the cloud couch. RH touts it as "the world's most comfortable sofa," and many users agree — as you've probably gleaned from your own social media feeds. Though pricey, it's one of the popular couches on the market today. It's largely attributable to the comfort factor. The brand says the couch is designed to be super spacious and feel like you're sinking into a cloud.

It's also customizable: Shoppers get to choose the frame style, configuration and upholstery. And while this is a huge bonus, it's also where things get tricky, since the each piece in the modular style costs several thousand dollars. (A sectional could cost upwards of $10,000.) The good news: Unlike other pricey furniture brands with lengthy lead times, this in-stock versions of this couch can be delivered in just a few days.

Joybird may be a relative newcomer, but it's quickly gaining popularity as a go-to furniture brand — especially for its couches. The Lewis Sofa is a sure bet for comfort-seekers. It's attractive, has deep seats, and is surprisingly spacious for its sleek profile.

The high-density polyurethane foam cushions are plush yet supportive, thanks to a sinuous wire suspension system. But it's really the upholstery that users say makes this couch a home run. It comes in an impressive array of 50 performance fabrics that are specifically touted as pet friendly. Users say you can wipe slobber and dirt right off. Pet hair doesn't settle in, either — a quick vacuum or swipe with a rubber glove will get the job done in a flash. Just note: Some users report slow shipping, but if you can wait, chances are you'll thank yourself for tapping your patient side.

Small? Yes, but that's one of the things some users like best about this comfortable couch. It's just as plush and ripe for lounging as its larger counterparts, but doesn't have the same bulky footprint — it's right at home in small rooms or apartments, even studios. The modular pick even has an attached ottoman that can be moved from side to side.

It doesn't come in hundreds of colors and fabrics, but users said this was actually a welcome change, since it was easier to make a selection from only seven colors. And pro tip: The velvet material won tons of praise amongst users, because of its a chic textured appearance. One of our reviewers said it was "warm and soft." Setup is a breeze, too. Each piece ships in its own box, and the brand claims the whole process only takes 15 minutes. Though the brand is relatively new, panelists who own this couch told us they love just about everything aspect of it.

Another sleeper that's surprisingly comfortable, Interior Define's Sloan is a sectional-style sofa that also contains a pullout bed. Like many other comfortable couches, you can customize this one to your liking — choose from lots of different fabric options (you're even entitled to free swatches before ordering), as well as leg color, chaise length, seat cushion style and type of fill.

Our survey panelists couldn't believe how many choices they had around fabric selection — 100-plus options means you can essentially design your own couch, creating something unique for your space. There are even leather styles available for those willing to splurge. Panelists also gave this couch remarkably high ratings for comfort and support — especially considering it's a sleeper, a type of couch that's notoriously uncomfortable. The biggest drawback was the elongated delivery times — anywhere between 10-14 weeks for the product to ship.

If you're targeting a couch that's the prime napping spot, look no further than the — what else — lounger by Crate & Barrel. It has wide, deep and exceptionally plush seats our panelists say are prime for relaxing, whether that's napping or watching TV. It even has thin arms to give you more room for stretching out — or fitting another body on the couch.

It's a highly customizable option, too. Choose from multiple different widths, depths, seating configurations and coordinating pieces, like an ottoman with built-in storage. There's also a wide selection of fabrics, including stain-resistant options, that you can choose from in a rainbow of colors. The brand also says the couch is as durable as you'd hope, too, since it's made of kiln-dried hardwood, plus has steel springs at each seat to prevent sagging over time. On the downside, our panelists say you pay for the customization options in lead time. Depending on the options you choose, the sofa can take months to arrive.

The cloud couch is so sought-after that there are a handful of truly exceptional dupes out there — and this couch by Italian designer Mario Capasa is top of the list. Like the OG, you really will feel like you're sitting on a soft, puffy cloud when you plop down in this couch. That's because the cushions are fashioned out of a high-density memory foam and fiber blend. Combined with the deep seats and soft fabric, you'll never want to get up.

We love the functionality of this couch, too. All of the fabric is removable and washable, so you can relax a little around the neutral-colored piece of furniture. A quick wash in a gentle cycle of cold water will lift spills and spots. Looking for something a little larger? Good news: It may only come in two colors, but this couch does come in three larger sizes, including a six-seater.

Another relatively petite offering, but one that's not worth passing over due to its size. This couch, which is perfect for apartments and other small spaces, has deep, plush seats two people can easily sink right into. The pillows are nice and big, too — there's plenty of feathered cushioning between you and the couch's backrest and frame. This does give the sofa some bulk, but overall the aesthetic is very timeless — especially considering it only comes in nine versions of gray and white.

Users love the durability of the couch, too. The fabric is stain-resistant and the upholstery covers are fully removable. When they need a good clean, you can send them for a spin on a cold, gentle cycle or ship them out to the dry cleaner.

Crate & Barrel sofas are pricey, but they're highly attractive, known for comfort and — bonus — ideal for family rooms. These couches are made with highly durable materials that can stand up to kids and pets. This deep three-seater also features spacious seats to fit the whole family and plush cushions for comfort when you really want to relax or even close your eyes.

While this model does have a smaller footprint than other options from the brand, it still fits a handful of kids or two adults comfortably. It's also customizable: When shopping, you can easily change the depth, size, shape and outer fabric to suit your needs and preferences. Because of this, each couch is made to order and could take a few months to arrive.

When it comes to couches, our panelists love Ashley HomeStore. More than 800 of them have purchased couches — including this one — from the brand. Overall, they say the brand hits the nail on the head in terms of both style and comfort, even in more challenging categories like sleepers. Users love the Bladen Full Sofa Sleeper, because it's a pullout couch with a traditional look and a spacious full-size mattress.

Online reviewers say both the sofa and bed are surprisingly comfortable. One reviewer said they had houseguests who slept on the bed for a full week without complaints. And while most sleepers tend to look bulky and stiff, users say the faux-leather material of this couch lends a chic worn-in look that looks great in a living room or home office. It is, however, important to note that Ashley's pricing for this model changes based on your area code — make sure to take a good look at the final price during checkout.

La-Z-Boy is one of the more popular sofa brands among our survey panelists, and this sectional garners praise for doubling as a recliner — one of the comfiest ways to watch TV or take a snooze. The one end features the recliner, which opens with a manual latch or power release. The rest of the couch is super spacious for plenty of space for big families to enjoy movie night together.

The look is undeniably casual and — dare we say — lacks sophistication, but the plush cushions (even the arms are cushioned) will make you forget that in an instant. You can also customize the sectional by changing the shape or specific pieces, plus choose from various color and print options. Overall, our survey respondents gave this couch high ratings across the board, specifically commenting on the comfort. One user with a bad back said it's the "most comfortable sofa I have ever sat on."

Over the years, our scientists and engineers have researched couches from more than 50 stores and brands, plus surveyed more than 5,800 people on our tester panel to get in-depth feedback on the couches they own. Each respondent provided detailed information on everything from ease of ordering and delivery times to setup and comfort to support and durability over time. Our product experts also tried out a variety of models from the newer brands, like Joybird, plus read hundreds of reviews and detailed product specifications to ensure this list contains only the most worthy options for lounging.

Even if comfort is paramount, there are a few things you should consider first, including:

✔️ Type of couch: Think about how much space you have to work with. Standard sofas are generally between 72 and 85 inches long and can accommodate three or four people. Sectional sofas — usually U- or L-shaped — have extra pieces that create a leg rest or more seating space. Love seats are among the smaller options, usually around 48 to 70 inches long, and are best suited for tighter spaces. Sleeper sofas come in all different shapes and sizes and feature a pull-out mattress to give a guest (or two) room to sleep.

Once you've settled on a style of couch, you can begin to think more about the features that directly correlate to comfort, including:

✔️ Material: This largely hinges on your personal preferences, but some of the most common options include leather, polyester fabrics and natural fibers. Leather tends to be the most luxurious and pricey — and is also harder to clean. Polyester fabrics are more affordable and are generally stain-resistant and easier to clean — key for families with kids and pets. Natural fibers — like cotton or linen — are also popular, but our experts say they won't hold up as well to everyday use. These fabrics are best suited for rooms like a living room where aesthetics typically trumps function.

✔️ Seat fill: Seat cushions are usually filled with a firm foam wrapped in a softer layer that may include down or down blends or polyester. The former tends to be softer and plusher, but the latter is generally more affordable.

✔️ Frame: Though you won't always find this information in the specifications, our experts recommend doing some digging before you buy. Wood means the frame is solid hardwood and considered durable. Kiln-dried hardwood is even better (albeit more expensive), since the wood goes through a finishing process to help make it stronger and prevent warping. Particleboard, a wood blend, is the cheapest and least durable option.

Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience writing about home products, including furniture like couches. She worked under the guidance of experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, including the fiber scientists and engineers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, to research and review the couch recommendations in this story.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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