News

Jun 14, 2024

9 Best Cheap Couches of 2022

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. We found deep, cozy and

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

We found deep, cozy and stylish sofas that are under $500 but overdeliver on quality.

Updating your space without breaking the bank — especially when it comes to shopping for new furniture — can be a challenge: Some couches cost thousands of dollars, which just isn't reasonable for every shopper's budget, and some are priced remarkably low, but the quality can be low too. If you're moving into your first apartment, looking for an option to accommodate overnight guests or are simply hoping to avoid splurging on a new piece, more retailers than ever are offering affordable yet high-quality furniture, so there are plenty of cheap couches to choose from. That's where we come in: Our extensive research can help you whittle down your choices.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our analysts research and evaluate furniture of all kinds, from standard couches to sectional sofas to sleeper sofas to recliner chairs. For this article, we considered properties such as fiber content and fabric construction, dimensions and any special features, and we reviewed former Lab testing to find great options from brands that have performed well in other categories. Our Textiles Lab analysts also recently distributed a sofa survey to our panelists and received more than 5,800 responses from real users who shared their thoughts on sofas they own or have previously owned. In all, we collected more than 156,000 data points for analysis, providing us with insight into our panelists' thoughts on the overall comfort and feel of their couches, as well as their opinions on delivery and setup, ease of cleaning and appearance. We combined former testing data, survey results and online reviews when making our final picks for the best cheap, comfy couches.

Keep reading for helpful couch-shopping tips and to learn more about how we choose the best couches. But first, here are our favorite cheap and comfy couches, each for under $500.

A traditional design helps this pick stand out in comparison with other affordable couches, which tend to be simpler and more modern. More than 850 of our survey panelists have purchased couches from the Ashley brand, which they rate high on style, comfort and feel. Reviewers of this full-size couch say the cushions are on the firmer side, and some describe them as feeling too firm, though others share that they offer support and "break in" nicely with time. The removable polyester covers can easily be thrown into the wash, and two coordinating throw pillows are included for no additional cost. As with most affordable furniture, some assembly is required, but online reviews say the process is quick.

For the same price as some couch covers alone, this compact love seat from IKEA is a total steal. IKEA's couches are loved by hundreds of our survey panelists for being so affordable, practical and modern. The brand is known for its difficult-to-assemble furniture, but online reviewers say this particular style is fairly easy to piece together, with only eight screws and 10 simple steps. At slightly less than 48 inches wide, the couch is a great fit for tight spaces like small apartments or dorm rooms. Reviewers warn, though, that the woven polyester material feels a bit rough and scratchy, and they recommend adding blankets and throw pillows for more comfort and cushioning. According to our survey panelists, IKEA furniture isn't super long-lasting, but this style has been described in reviews as "sturdy," and we think it's worth the ultralow price.

Leather couches are timeless but not priceless, as they tend to cost a pretty penny, while faux-leather options can appear plasticky and cheap. If you want the sophisticated look of real leather but are on budget, opt for a couch like this one, which is made with a finished microfiber suede for a worn-in leather look. Details like hardwood legs and two roll pillows elevate the style. Online reviewers say the material is "soft to the touch" and "comfortable," and of nicer quality than other faux-leather furniture they've seen. The biggest complaint from reviewers is that the cushions feel too firm, but the brand's 30-day return policy means you can try the couch out before deciding if it's the right one for you. Even more reassuring is that according to our survey panelists, Wayfair's customer service team is helpful and supportive.

With a depth of 39 inches, a length of 90 inches and three separate cushions, this couch is by far the roomiest and deepest of all our picks. You can choose among four neutral colors, and there are matching pieces, including ottomans, a love seat and a recliner, so you can purchase a complete coordinating set for your home. Online reviewers note that the microfiber material is plush and comfortable but prone to static cling. If you have pets, they say the static attracts hair, which requires some extra removal; however, our survey panelists shared that the brand's microfiber material holds up well against animal scratching and clawing and rated it high on being easy to clean.

An Amazon number-one best seller, this L-shaped sectional couch has more than 1,500 five-star reviews from users who share that it's a perfect beginner couch for first-time buyers and nice for smaller homes and apartments. It's uncommon for affordable furniture to be made with natural materials, so our experts are impressed that this couch is covered in a linen fabric, which reviewers say "feels good-quality." Another standout feature of this compact sectional is the reversible chaise attachment. You can switch the extended chaise from side to side to complement the layout of your space. The back cushions are on the thinner side and don't expand to be as full as they appear online, so users recommend adding extra pillows and blankets for a cozier feel.

Mr. Kate is a popular YouTube interior design channel turned brand that recently launched a collection of trendy yet affordable furniture. The Tess sofa, which users say "looks and feels luxurious," is available in two vibrant hues: a bold blue and and a deep green. Even though the suggested retail price is technically more than $500, we found it marked down on Amazon. Online reviewers love that the material is comfortable and cozy, with one raving, "The upholstery is SO soft!" According to the reviews, the assembly process for the couch is easy, and the instructions are simple to follow. Several reviewers have noted that they received furniture with scratched legs or torn velvet, but Amazon does offer returns for damaged items within 30 days.

Zinus's bed frames are some of our favorites when it comes to affordable options with easy assembly, and the brand's couches are no different. This couch is shipped to your door in one compact box that, albeit heavy, is easy to carry around small spaces and move through doorways. The sofa is designed for tool-free assembly, so all the pieces simply slide into place. Our survey panelists gave Zinus's couches high ratings for quick and easy delivery and assembly. The brand also carries a love seat for a coordinating set, and it offers a bundle that includes a sofa and one of its popular memory foam mattresses in a Queen size. Online reviewers note that the bottom couch cushions cannot be removed, which can make them difficult to clean, and they're on the firmer side too.

If you live in a small space but still want to be able to accommodate overnight guests, a sofa bed or futon provides some flexibility. This option from Serta has more than 7,000 five-star reviews and is especially loved by college students and teens who have friends sleep over. An analyst who has used this futon notes that it's comfortable and supportive when used as a couch but definitely on the firmer side as a bed. There are three positions for the back to lock into — fully upright, reclined and flat. To make the sofa into a bed, you simply push the back of the couch forward and then lower the back until it's lying completely flat. One reviewer who has had hers for more than five years describes it as sturdy and durable. "It's held up really well," she says, to years of repeated use.

Thanks to the two oversize pockets on each side of this couch, you'll always know where to find your remote. And you can keep your phone and other electronic devices charged and ready to go with the four built-in USB ports — two under each armrest. In order for the USB charging ports to work, you'll need to plug the couch into a power source, so keep that in mind while choosing where to position your new couch. Online reviewers say this affordable couch has exceeded their expectations, with many raving that it's easy to put together, super comfortable and the perfect fit for small apartments. Some reviews mention the seat cushion sagging after just a couple of months, but Walmart offers 90-day returns with proof of purchase if you experience this issue early on.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Textiles Lab experts researched affordable sofas from popular online brands and brands that have performed well in Lab evaluations. We evaluated properties like the fabrication and fiber content, which can affect the overall look and feel of furniture and ultimately have an effect on its performance and durability. We also took size into consideration, as well as special features listed online, including reclining options, built-in USB ports, removable cushions, washable covers and more.

In addition to online research, the Textiles Lab recently distributed a survey to our panelists, who were given the opportunity to share their thoughts on the sofas they currently own or have purchased in the past few years. More than 5,800 surveys were collected, providing us with over 156,000 data points for analysis regarding the overall quality and comfort of the sofas, ease of delivery and setup, ease of cleaning the material and more. When making picks for this article, our Lab experts reviewed this data and chose some couches from our panelists' favorite furniture brands.

Here are a few important things to think about while you're looking for the best cheap couch for your needs:

✔️ Type: Consider how you plan to use your sofa before deciding on a specific style or type, and also be sure to take the measurements of your space to ensure your new couch will fit:

✔️ Fabric construction: Most pieces of affordable furniture are designed with fabrics made with synthetic fibers, which tend to cost less than natural fibers and have proved to be relatively easy to care for. A few common materials used for cheap couches include:

✔️ Assembly: Although the price may be low, there's another cost associated with buying a cheap couch: Some sort of physical assembly is usually required, whether it's screwing legs on or piecing together the entire sofa. Be sure to review the product listing to check if there is assembly required and, if so, how involved it is. Some brands even include downloadable instruction documents online in the product description for you to review before purchasing.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She has written about furniture and home goods, including bed frames and recliner chairs. For this article, she reviewed thousands of data points from our most recent sofa survey for relevant information and researched sofas from popular or top-tested brands with rave online reviews.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

The Best Mattress Toppers of 2023

12 Best Kids Backpacks for School 2023

The Best Down Pillows

7 Best Metal Detectors of 2023

Are NAC Supplements Good For You?

The Best Window Air Conditioners for Your Home

9 Best Fans of 2023 to Cool Your Whole Home

4 Best Car Buffers of 2023

21 Best College Backpacks of 2023

7 Best Baby Bath Tubs

10 Best Sleeper Sofas of 2023

7 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2023