We Had Our Editors Test The 7 Most Comfortable Sofas Money Can Buy

Shopping for a sofa online is like doing a blind taste test as Goldilocks—you never know what you’re going to get—all while you’re looking for something that’s just right. That said, whether it's a comfortable accent chair or a cozy leather reading chair, there’s one thing that everyone wants from their seating: high-quality materials. That means looking for plush cushions that won't sag over time—and making sure the fabric can withstand three kids and a dog. Not to mention that you'll want to account for size, especially if you're on the hunt for an apartment-friendly sectional or ultra-comfortable loveseat.

It's also worth mentioning that this year's design trends are all pointing toward comfortable, classic seating. We're seeing everything from cozy, slipcovered sofas in the New England eclectic trend (basically 2024's rustic answer to coastal grandmother) to cognac leather loveseats that scream quiet luxury. Think: TikTok-viral couches (you've no doubt seen), including the Article Sven sofa and Valyōu feathers sofa.

So below, I had seven PureWow editors test the absolute most comfortable sofas on the market—from modular sectionals for apartment dwellers to stain-resistant sofas for anyone with kids to cloud couches and modern loveseats (under $1,500) .

To determine the most comfortable sofas on the market, I enlisted seven PureWow editors to test a range of highly-rated options in their own homes, taking into account their individual lifestyles—whether they had kids, pets, large houses, or small apartments. Each sofa was put to the test for a minimum of two months, with some editors having used their sofas for years.

Throughout the testing period, we focused on three key criteria: ensuring the sofas could comfortably seat at least two people with a minimum length of 60 inches, assessing the cushion fill—whether it was down, polyfoam, or a blend—and verifying that the upholstery fabric was soft to the touch, avoiding anything that might feel uncomfortable or rough.

We then evaluated how well each sofa fit into their living space, from unboxing and assembly to how they held up over time. Testers carefully noted how the sofas performed under daily use, considering whether the cushions maintained their shape, if the fabric felt soft or scratchy and how the sofas stood up to the rigors of pets and children.

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• Material: While you want your sofa to look as good as it feels, it’s more important that you pay attention to the latter when you’re shopping for comfort. That means it should be covered in soft yet durable fabrics that can hold up over time. Think: washed linen, velvet, twill, cotton, or leather (which gets softer as it ages). Plus, thanks to the emergence of performance fabric, there are now tons of supple, stain-resistant fabrics that were built with high-traffic areas in mind (especially if you have kids or pets). 
• Seat Fill: The softness of your seat cushion is likely what you mean when you’re thinking about comfort. Do you like that sink-down feeling when you sit on a piece of furniture? If so, foam, fiber and down-blended cushions are the right choice. Will it bother you to have an unkempt-looking sofa or to have to fluff pillows regularly? Down cushions can be more high maintenance than others because they need to be fluffed regularly. In this case, a down alternative cushion is a great for anyone who wants a soft seat without the fluffing commitment. 
• Size: Naturally, the size of your sofa is going to depend on where you can fit in. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that the trick to making a small space look bigger is by filling it with the largest furniture you can find. A good rule of thumb is to go with the most maximum-sized sofa you can fit while still incorporating small-space design rules (read more about that here).

After rigorous testing, several sofas rose to the top, each catering to different needs. The Valyōu Feathers Sofa earned the title of best overall, thanks to its plush duck-blend cushions that offer a perfect balance of comfort and support. Despite needing regular fluffing and the occasional feather poking out, its stain-resistant fabric and deep seats made it a cozy and durable option—especially as an affordable alternative to luxury sofas like the Cloud Couch. For those who favor leather, however, the Article Sven sofa impressed with its smooth semi-aniline leather that ages beautifully, giving it a relaxed, vintage appeal. Its compact size also fit well in a smaller space while still providing ample comfort, making it ideal for anyone who wants a trendy yet practical seating option.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for something more customizable, the Lovesac Stealth Tech sofa is worth the splurge. It offers a completely tailored experience, from size to fabric, and even includes built-in sound and charging technology for a high-tech living room setup. And on the more affordable end, the Article Kayra bouclé sofa shined as a pet-friendly choice, with its durable bouclé fabric that resists snags and pulls while offering firm, supportive comfort. 

First and foremost: We’ve dedicated an entire article to where to buy a couch online. But when it comes to comfort, there are four retailers that perpetually knock it out of the park: West Elm, Crate & Barrel/CB2 and Horchow. First, you have West Elm. Aside from its signature, mid-century modern aesthetic, it’s known for having an array of wide, overstuffed seating—along with an ultra-durable fabric library—at a relatively affordable price point (starting at $899). We’re also guessing you’re familiar with Crate & Barrel and CB2, which take a more high-end approach to everyday comfort. For those who don’t know, CB2 is a sub-brand of Crate (albeit at a lower price point), where it elevates Crate’s clean lines and classic modern vibe with a more minimalist feel (think: curvy sofas instead of rectangular ones and velvet/bouclé upholstery instead of polyester/linen). In both cases, however, the brands’ seating options are ultra-plushy with a relaxed, organic modern feel—and it’s worth mentioning that both offer collaborations with buzzy celebs and designers, from Gwyneth Paltrow and Lenny Kravitz to Athena Calderone and Jake Arnold.

BUT, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line, “looks like it’s on the cover of Arch Digest” sofa, Horchow is basically nirvana for interior enthusiasts (who don’t have a tax ID). Neiman Marcus’s sister site is a fan-favorite for its exclusivity, where each option is hand-selected from private vendors that, typically, are only available for purchase through retail stores and interior designers (Bernhardt, Caracole, Century and Four Hands, to name a few). The materials are thoughtfully manufactured to have a ‘luxe cush-factor’ you won’t find anywhere else—but consider yourself warned: Pricing reflects that.

Long story short? These brands are the creme de la creme of coziness (and all offer in-home and white glove delivery services). But of course, there are still a slew of other ultra-comfy seating options available—that won’t cost you an arm and a leg—spanning from retailers like AllModern, Burrow and Castlery to unbeatable, budget-friendly options at Target and Wayfair.