Top 6 Sleeper Sofas: Expertly Tested and Reviewed for 2023

Top Pick

The Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa has been crowned our top choice and is also recognized as one of our Very Best Products of 2024. It comes in two sizes, accommodating either a twin or queen mattress. While the website suggests it can seat three to four people, our testing revealed that it comfortably accommodates two.

For those prioritizing mattress comfort, the Joybird sleeper is a top contender. Initially, the couch felt too firm, but after breaking it in, it became significantly more comfortable. That said, it’s not the softest or most "cloud-like" option available.

The firmness, however, enhances its durability. After a year of use, the sleeper sofa maintains its shape and structure without any sagging or lumps. Additionally, transforming it from a sofa to a bed is effortless, taking just one minute, making it one of the most user-friendly models we’ve tested.

With over 75 fabric and color options, including pet-friendly and stain-resistant materials, this sofa is highly customizable. Our experience confirms its pet-friendly durability—it withstands dog jumps, and stains are easily removable.

Delivery options include curbside or white-glove service. We opted for white-glove delivery and were thoroughly impressed. This couch is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently hosts overnight guests. 

Upholstery: Polyester, velvet, performance fabrics | Sofa Dimensions: 79 by 36 by 35 inches; 52.5 by 36 by 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 by 72 inches; 39 by 70 inches | Mattress Type: Memory foam

Top Budget Pick

For those seeking an affordable sleeper sofa, the Article Nordby Sofa is an excellent choice. It features removable cushions for easy maintenance and hidden wheels for smooth mobility. The design is intuitive—simply use the fabric handles on the frame to pull it out when needed. It arrives fully assembled, with only the bottom legs requiring attachment.

The polyester upholstery is both premium and durable. After more than two years of use, including significant cat scratching, it still looks pristine. The back cushions are firm and supportive, and the sturdy legs make it easy to reposition. Available in two styles—a standard sofa and an L-shaped reverse sectional—it adapts to various room layouts.

However, this sofa doesn’t include a mattress, leaning more toward a futon style, which limits its comfort. While it’s not ideal for long-term use, it’s suitable for short stays. Adding a mattress topper can significantly enhance comfort.

Upholstery: Polyester | Sofa Dimensions: 87 by 33 by 35 inches | Bed Dimensions: 54 by 72 inches | Mattress Type: High-density foam

Top Sectional Pick

With plush cushions and a sturdy hardwood frame, the West Elm Harmony Sleeper rivals the comfort of a traditional bed. Whether you’re taking a nap or simply lounging, this sofa delivers exceptional comfort. 

The sofa features foam seat cushions and luxurious throw and lumbar pillows filled with a mix of duck feathers, down blend, and polyester. The cushions are detachable, with zip-off covers that make cleaning a breeze—ideal for active households.

Remarkably, this fabric seems stain-resistant. It has withstood spills like coffee, ice cream, hot sauce, and chocolate without leaving a trace. Even after a year of use, the sofa remains in pristine condition. While the pillows have softened slightly, they still provide excellent support, and guests consistently praise the mattress’s comfort.

Transforming the sofa into a bed takes just minutes. It also includes a storage chaise for stashing pillows, blankets, or extra sheets, adding to its practicality. The design is highly customizable, allowing you to choose the chaise’s placement (left or right) or tailor it to your preferences.

With nearly 50 performance fabric and color options, including stain-resistant and Greenguard-certified materials (ensuring low chemical emissions), this sofa offers plenty of choices. The only hiccup was an incorrect assembly upon delivery, requiring us to reassemble it ourselves.

Upholstery: Basketweave, chenille, linen, velvet, boucle, canvas, twill | Sofa Dimensions: 123 by 69 by 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 by 72 inches | Mattress Type: Gel-infused foam

Top Customizable Pick

The Crate & Barrel sleeper stands out as one of the most customizable couches available. While its design is relatively simple, it provides an extensive range of customization options, enabling you to choose the perfect fabric and color to match your aesthetic preferences.

The brand boasts a vast palette of 217 colors, including 76 shades of gray and black, 33 shades of brown, and many others. Additionally, you can select from a variety of kid- and pet-friendly, stain-resistant, and indoor/outdoor performance fabrics for upholstery.

If you’re unsure which option to choose, you can request a free swatch to help you decide. Keep in mind that delivery times may vary based on your customization selections.

This sofa offers a comfortable experience, though its seat depth is somewhat shallow, making it less ideal for lounging. The mattress, however, outperforms many other sleeper sofas—there are no noticeable metal mechanisms, and we experienced no back pain after sleeping on it.

While the mattress is thinner than a traditional bed, it’s still spacious enough to comfortably accommodate two people.

Upholstery: Performance, boucle, canvas, chenille, linen, microfiber, shearling, twill, velvet | Sofa Dimensions: 90 by 36 by 36.5 inches | Bed Dimensions: 87 by 30 inches | Mattress Type: Gel-infused memory foam

Most Stylish Pick

This Anthropologie sleeper sofa features a modern, minimalist design and includes a queen-sized pull-out mattress, perfect for hosting overnight guests. Measuring 84 inches in length, it has a single seat cushion that comfortably accommodates up to three people. The cushion, made of foam encased in down and feathers, is reversible to help minimize wear over time. 

While the sofa allows for some customization in fabric and color, options are limited to four upholstery choices: linen, velvet, performance linen, and performance velvet. Depending on the fabric selected, there are at least 10 color options available.

Shipping costs are not included in the purchase price, with a flat fee of $150 applied. Delivery is relatively quick, typically taking two to four weeks from the order date. White-glove delivery is included at no extra charge. Note that while returns within 30 days are eligible for a full refund, Anthropologie imposes a 25% restocking fee on all returned items.

Upholstery: Linen, velvet, performance linen, performance velvet | Sofa Dimensions: 33.75 by 83.75 by 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 87 by 19.5 by 24 inches | Mattress Type: Not listed

Top Pick for Compact Spaces

While queen mattresses are the norm for sleeper sofas, the Apt2B Nora sofa is an excellent choice for smaller spaces, featuring a twin-sized mattress. At just 62 inches long, it’s compact from every angle. The sofa includes foam cushions, straight high sides, and a flat wooden base (without traditional legs), giving it a retro aesthetic. 

This sofa offers 53 performance fabric color options and three base finishes: pecan, espresso, and natural. You can choose between a spring mattress or a slightly pricier memory foam option. Since all pieces are custom-made, expect a 30-day wait before shipping.

Apt2B’s “decide later” program is a standout feature, allowing you to purchase the sofa and take up to 90 days to finalize your style choice. This is ideal for securing a sale price while waiting for fabric swatches or deciding on a color. All sofas are manufactured in the U.S. and come with a lifetime warranty.

Upholstery: Performance fabric | Sofa Dimensions: 62 by 37 by 32 inches | Bed Dimensions: 62 by 90 by 32 inches | Mattress Type: Spring, memory foam

Final Verdict

The Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa is our top choice for the best sleeper sofa, offering luxurious comfort and extensive customization options. For a more affordable alternative, the Article Nordby Sofa Bed is a durable and user-friendly option, though it’s slightly less comfortable.

Our Testing Process

To identify the best sleeper sofas, we tested six models in our living rooms. We began by tracking delivery times and setup processes, including the number of boxes and the time required for assembly.

We conducted a detailed evaluation of each sofa, assessing the frame and upholstery quality. We also checked if the upholstery was performance-grade and whether the sofa offered a variety of color and fabric options.

We then evaluated comfort and usability. Each sofa was used for at least one hour daily over four weeks, noting seat firmness, softness, and overall comfort during extended sitting.

We timed the process of converting the sofa into a bed and adding a fitted sheet, evaluating how easy it was for one person to handle. We also measured the mattress dimensions to verify them against the manufacturer’s specifications. 

During the four-week testing period, we slept on the sleeper at least once a week. We assessed sleep quality, mattress comfort, firmness, and support. After each night, we timed how long it took to revert the bed back to a sofa.

If spills or stains occurred during testing, we evaluated the ease of cleaning and whether it caused any damage. After the testing period, we rated each sleeper sofa on comfort, usability, durability, quality, and value. We also revisited the sofas after six months and one year for long-term insights.

Expert Tips for Buying Sleeper Sofas

Mattress Type

Sleeper sofas typically come with two mattress options: innerspring and memory foam. “Innerspring mattresses provide more bounce and support, while memory foam offers a contouring feel,” says Harris. “Try both in-store to see which feels best for you—if it’s comfortable for you, your guests will likely agree!”

Upholstery

Fabric sofas, though requiring more upkeep than leather, are popular for being easy to clean and exceptionally cozy. For added durability, Harris recommends pure leather. Performance fabrics are another excellent choice, offering spill resistance, pet-friendly features, and low chemical emissions.

Frame

“For top-quality frames, opt for kiln-dried hardwoods or engineered woods,” advises Harris. If budget is a concern, pine is a less durable but still sturdy alternative.

Pull-Out Mechanism

Ease of use is key when selecting a sleeper sofa. Harris notes, “While pulling out the mattress is usually straightforward, heavier mattresses can be more difficult.” Most models include a fabric handle for assistance. For a non-pull-out option, consider a futon-style sleeper like the Article Nordby Sofa Bed.

Additional Sleeper Sofas Worth Considering

Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa With Memory Foam Mattress: This sofa transforms into a bed in roughly three minutes. Its slipcover design makes it ideal for families, though it’s pricey and took about six months to arrive.

Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional: Featuring performance fabric upholstery, this sofa is perfect for households with kids or pets. After a year of use, it has softened comfortably, with one guest calling it the most comfortable sleeper sofa they’ve ever used. However, it’s costly and has a five-to-seven-week shipping time.

Rove Concepts Milo Sleeper Sofa: For a luxurious option, consider the Rove Concepts Milo in velvet. Simply unzip the back of the cushions and gently pull to reveal the mattress, which lies flat on the floor without a metal frame. Note that while marketed as queen-sized, it’s slightly larger than standard, so your fitted sheets may not fit perfectly.

Common Questions Answered

What is the purpose of a sleeper sofa?

Harris suggests sleeper sofas for hosts with limited space for a guest room. “During the day, they offer comfortable seating, and at night, they easily convert into a spare bed—ideal for unexpected overnight guests,” she explains.

What’s the difference between a sleeper sofa and a futon?

The key distinction is that a futon uses the same cushion for both sitting and sleeping. “Futons have a flatter, firmer design with tufted grids, resembling a traditional mattress,” Harris notes.

Harris explains that on a sofa bed, the mattress usually sits on a separate frame hidden beneath the sofa’s seats. To convert it into a bed, you pull the frame out from underneath.

How much should you expect to spend on a sleeper sofa?

Sleeper sofas vary widely in price based on features and quality. Harris notes that prices can range from under $500 to over $5,000 for premium models. Generally, higher-priced sofas offer better comfort and sturdier frames compared to budget options.

What is the lifespan of a sleeper sofa?

“Signs like fraying, creaking, or a sinking sensation when sitting indicate it’s time for a replacement,” Harris says. A well-made fabric sofa typically lasts seven to 15 years, while a leather one can endure up to three times longer.

Trust Our Expertise

This piece was authored by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Mytour, and revised by Jamie Fischer, a Mytour writer. Our recommendations are based on real-world testing of sleeper sofas, assessing comfort, usability, durability, quality, and value. We also consulted Jessica Harris, an interior designer and production design manager at Living Spaces.