If there’s one thing we’re prioritizing in our homes in 2024, it’s coziness within our budget. Long gone are the days where we splurge on big-ticket items under the guise that “if it’s expensive it must be the best on the market”—we all know that’s far from true. Whether you’re looking for couches under $2,000 or the most comfortable sofas that you don’t have to take a loan out for, sometimes the best picks are right in front of you, provided you know where to look (and what to look for). We’ve simplified the process for you, vetting top brands to show you where to buy a couch online that checks all the boxes, from comfort to aesthetic to price.
The 10 Best Affordable Couches to Add to Your Space, Starting at Just $203
“Thank you, it was only $500”
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Published Apr 1, 2024
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Valyōu
The Best Affordable Couches at a Glance
1
Best Convertible Couch
Mercury Row Perdue Sofa
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2
Best Loveseat
George Oliver Shevella Sofa Loveseat
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3
Best Vegan Leather Sofa
Albany Park Albany Sofa
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4
Best Storage Sofa
Linsy Home Modular Sectional
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5
Best Scandinavian Style Couch
Article Kayra Bouclé Sofa
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How We Chose the Best Affordable Couches
A few PureWow staffers couldn’t stay quiet about their favorite affordable couches, because when it comes to a high-quality steal, we shout it from the rooftops. We also scoured the highest-rated couches at some of our favorite home retailers, poring over reviews to ensure they were, indeed, a solid buy. In doing so, we kept in mind various budgets (with a focus on ones under $1,500), durability, cushion and upholstery quality, as well as overall comfort and aesthetics.
Best Convertible Couch
What We Like:
- luxe velvet
- convertible design
What We Don’t Like:
- pet hair clings to velvet easily
- a little too firm at first
Mercury Row
Velvet sofas are soft, cuddly and very posh looking. This one is complete with tufted back cushions and thick, foam-bottom cushions. Not only is this comfy for two to three people, it transforms into a twin-sized bed, too (courtesy of its removable arms). The convertible design also allows the couch to recline a bit, so you can lie back and relax. A bit of assembly is required, but don’t worry, tools are included if you can’t remember where you put your screwdriver.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I bought this couch for my daughter’s first house since they just had a loveseat left by the previous owner. For the price, it’s awesome, and it looks beautiful in their front living room. It is extremely firm, but comfortable. They also love that it can easily convert into a bed if they have guests.” —a Wayfair customer
- How to Clean: spot clean
- Material: Frame material: wood, Fill material: foam
- Color Options: Gray, black velvet, mustard yellow velvet, green, pink and five more
Best Loveseat
2. George Oliver Shevella Sofa Loveseat
What We Like:
- comfy armrests
- petite shape
What We Don't Like
- seat feels a little too firm
George Oliver
Opting for a smaller sofa, like a loveseat, is great for smaller spaces or if you want extra seating beside your main couch. There’s a little bit of assembly needed, but it’s a breeze, according to assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera. “It took me no more than five minutes to assemble, and I could easily do it on my own,” she says. “The cushions on both the sides and back are super cushy, too, so they're comfy to sink into after a long day, and it feels bigger than I expected. The seat could be a bit softer, in my opinion, but for less than $250, this is a really awesome option.”
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “Love this little sofa! I was looking for a comfortable but succinct sitting area for my little reading nook. This was the perfect size and incredibly easy to assemble. Everything slides into place and gravity does most of the work.” —a Wayfair customer
- How to Clean: spot clean
- Material: Frame material: solid wood, Upholstery material: cotton blend, Fill material: foam
- Color Options: Pink, black, brown, dark grey, green, light grey
Best Vegan Leather Sofa
What We Like:
- multiple leg options
- no tools required for assembly
- distressed leather look
What We Don’t Like:
- leather can stick to bare skin easily
Albany Park
Luxury and style will be best embodied in your home with this vegan leather couch. It’s not only made durably—featuring breathable mesh backing and pocket coils surrounded by high-density memory foam to preserve the bounce and squishiness of this couch—it’s also easy to put together without any tools. We also love the ways you can customize this sofa, as it comes in multiple colors and material options, as well as gold or walnut leg choices.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “This sofa is perfect in every way. I read the reviews before I purchased it, and everyone said it is the perfect mixture of style and comfort, and they couldn’t have been more right. It is such a statement piece in my apartment. I am super happy with it.” —an Albany Park customer
- How to Clean: wipe clean
- Material: Distressed vegan leather or velvet
- Color Options: Orange, olive, rust, blue, charcoal
Best Storage Sofa
4. Linsy Home Modular Sectional
What We Like:
- machine-washable covers
- seat storage
- accommodates six people
What We Don't Like:
- fabric won’t hold up well if washed too frequently
Linsy Home
A house with a growing family and lots of guests deserves a couch that can accommodate a crowd. This sofa can go from one giant sectional that seats six people or assembled in different configurations to create multiple seating units, like a loveseat, three-seater couch and a chair, or whatever you want. It comes in several colors and each seat base opens up for extra storage. Plus, the covers zip on and off and are washable.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “The best part is the storage under each seat!! The compartments hold quite a bit (games, blankets, pillows....) and we're very happy with how it fit into our space.” —a Walmart customer
- How to Clean: machine washable covers
- Material: Polyester
- Color Options: Blue, dark grey, light grey, teal
Best Scandinavian Style Couch
What We Like:
- comfy construction
- durable bouclé material
What We Don't Like
- light shades are easy to get dirty
Article
If aesthetic is your number one priority when searching for a couch, here it is—your chic, Scandinavian-modern sofa. It has a sexy curved, cloud-like shape and sleek wooden legs to boot. The bouclé fabric’s durability against cat scratches impressed us when testing the sofa, but that’s not all: “It’s plenty comfy enough for daily use, however, with more than sufficient padding at both the back and seat, and I find myself gravitating to it even when I’m not watching television just to work,” said former commerce director Nicole Briese. The smallest section of the couch can still comfortably fit a person, but if you’re looking to sprawl out, you’ll find yourself likely gravitating to the wider end of the couch.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “This sofa is beautiful and offers more seat space than I expected. [The finish] is lovely and the sofa is very comfortable. [I’m] so pleased with my purchase.” —an Article customer
- How to Clean: spot clean with mild solvent
- Material: Kiln dried pine wood frame, foam, rubber webbing; 78 percent polyester and 22 percent acrylic
- Color Options: Ivory
Best Sofa for Small Spaces
What We Like:
- great for small spaces
- movable ottoman
- storage ottoman
What We Don't Like:
- a little stiff
- couch material isn’t washable
Muzz
Yes, you can still have a sectional without overcrowding smaller spaces. This couch features a moveable ottoman, but at 76 inches long, it’s still compact enough for apartment (or studio) dwelling. It is topped with a dense, high-quality foam that’s firm yet comfortable. The linen fabric is lightweight and breathable, and it’s available in a few different colors like beige, dark gray and light gray.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “[It’s the]perfect size for a small living room. [It’s] easy to assemble and very comfortable.” —a Walmart customer
- How to Clean: spot clean
- Material: Linen fabric, wood frame
- Color Options: Beige, dark grey, light grey
Best for a Couple
What We Like:
- deep-seated cushions
- high back
- pine wood frame
What We Don't Like:
- fabric can discolor if in direct light
West Elm
If you’re looking for something minimalist and comfortable, this one from West Elm has deep seating and a higher back. “My husband and I had this couch for three years until we switched to a big Lovesac sectional, and it was the perfect sofa for just the two of us. The deep seating was incredibly comfortable for snuggling up to watch movies, and it felt expensive and durable,” says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. “The top of the back of my couch turned a lighter grayish color after a while because we had it sitting by a window in direct sunlight,” she says. There are two size options and three color choices, and the solid pine wood frame is sure to last for years.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “Some couches can be so stiff, but this one is so inviting and cozy without compromising durability.” —Olivia Dubyak, PureWow Commerce Editor
- How to Clean: spot clean, professional cleaning for tough stains
- Material: Twill, linen, chenille; wood frame
- Color Options: Dove, pewter, dark olive
Best L-Shaped Sectional
What We Like:
- no tools needed for assembly
- storage ottoman
- fits four people
What We Don't Like:
- plastic legs
Honbay
A sectional allows for plenty of lounging, but what makes this one stand out—aside from its under-$500 price tag—is its clever storage options. It has an ottoman you can stuff extra throws or pillows in, as well as a storage pouch to hold electronics, remotes, chargers and more. The manufacturer notes that it requires assembly, but it doesn’t need tools and will arrive in three boxes. And it should be fairly durable, given its solid wood frame.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “Affordable, VERY easy to put together and take apart if you need to. I’m a curvy gal and have no issues with the couch. Great for naps too!” —an Amazon customer
- How to Clean: spot clean
- Material: Wooden frame, foam fill, polyester upholstery
- Color Options: Bluish grey, brown leather, dark grey, velvet black, velvet dark blue, velvet green, velvet light grey
Best for Families with Children
What We Like
- removable cushion covers
- tailored upholstery
What We Don't Like
- colors can look slightly different than what is pictured on site
Macy's
A well-made sofa that is built to last and still looks high-quality is tough to find, and this one is a diamond in the rough. “The Radley is one of the best-kept secrets among young families. It's affordable, highly customizable and your kids could set it on fire and it'd be fine—OK, I'm exaggerating, but it's stain-proof, so really easy to clean. My kids jump and eat on it all the time, and it never stresses me out,” Jill G., mom of two toddlers, tells PureWow. The cushions and their covers are removable, and the material is said to be very thick and durable. Many reviewers note that Macy’s customer service is top-notch, too.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “We own this sofa in a sectional version and love it. It has held up well over about 8 years. When we needed a new sofa for a different room, we knew it would be another Radley. I love that not only are all the cushions completely reversible, but they all zip off easily. I have even thrown them in the washing machine with great results.” —a Macy’s customer
- How to Clean: spot clean with water-based cleanser (according to brand)
- Material: Hardwood and pine frame with 100 percent polyester upholstery
- Color Options: Mocha grey, chrome beige, apple green, navy blue, caramel tan, and eight others
Best Washable Couch Covers
10. Valyōu Mario Capasa Feathers Sofa + Ottoman
What We Like:
- voluminous cushions
- two size options
- stain and scratch resistant
What We Don't Like:
- cushions need to be fluffed frequently
Valyōu
A good lookalike couch to the popular and much pricier Cloud Couch from Restoration Hardware ($3,995), this one’s got a similar fluffy, sink-into-it feeling while still keeping a bit of support for your body. “I could sleep—OK, have slept—on it, without waking to stiff hips or a creaky neck. The deep seats are ideal for tall people (I’m 5’11” and my husband is 6’3”), and the combination of duck feathers and polyurethane foam padding make it plush without eating you alive,” says Candace Davison, PureWow VP of editorial, in her review. The material is stain and scratch resistant and has washable covers. It comes in two- or three-seater options, both of which come with an ottoman.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “As a retired Interior Designer, I was skeptical about buying a sofa online without knowing the manufacturer. I am very pleasantly surprised at the high quality of the three pieces. I knew the seat height was too low for us, so am having new legs made for all of the pieces. I am especially happy with the removable and washable upholstery.” —a Valyōu customer
- How to Clean: vacuum and machine wash
- Material: Pine wood frame, ashwood legs, foam filling, microfiber and cotton blend fabric covers
- Color Options: Tan and grey
What to Keep in Mind When Shopping for an Affordable Couch
Beyond budget, there are a few couch qualities you should keep in mind:
- Fabric and fill: Not just “does the upholstery feel nice?” You should note the features of the fabric too, like stain and scratch resistance, as well as note reviewers’ input on whether it pills or snags easily. Leather and vegan leather tend to be easy to clean, whereas cotton, linen and polyester blends tend to be fairly durable (though linen can be harder to keep clean). The filling material makes a big difference, too. Dense foam is going to offer more of a firmness, while a down alternative fill or mix will be plusher and cozier.
- Frame construction: Sometimes couch frames are poorly of flimsily designed and cause beams to snap or come loose, which makes for a short lifespan of your couch. Opt for a couch with thick wooden or metal beams so it holds up well over time.
- Seat depth: If you want a comfy couch that fits your family or is great for cuddling, you’ll want deep-seated cushions so you can sit back without feeling like you’re sitting uncomfortably upright.Shallow seats are great for additional seating, office seating or if you have a hard time getting in and out of deeper seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Good Budget for a Couch?
Expect to spend between $200 and $500 for a loveseat or smaller sofa, and up to $1,500 to $2,000 for a sectional. As this story shows, quality couches can be purchased for much less, but those tend to be safe ranges for sofas rated four stars and above.
How Do You Know If a Couch Is Good Quality?
You’ll want to pay attention to the upholstery of the cushions and the fill inside of them. Are they firm? Is it filled with a dense foam? You also want to keep in mind the leg and frame material. Plastic is likely to break, while wood or stainless steel should have a long life ahead of it.
Should You Spend a Lot of Money on a Sofa?
No. While budgets and needs vary, there are well-made couches that are designed to last a long time—and won’t cost you five figures. Scanning reviews and keeping in mind the materials and construction can help you determine whether you’re getting a good buy…or a steep markup for a brand name.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.